[Endoscopy of esophageal cancer (author's transl)].

The late stages of symptomatic esophageal carcinoma rarely present diagnostic difficulties. Nevertheless, the tumor must be bioptically analyzed and defined to decide on proper treatment. Our future aim is to diagnose esophageal carcinoma at an early stage. Dysphagia should increasingly be accepted as an indication for endoscopy. Biopsy should be accompanied by cytology and vital staining. Regular controls in risk groups should help to improve the poor prognosis of esophageal carcinoma in our country.