Radiographic microstructures of early esophageal carcinoma: correlation of specimen radiography with pathologic findings and clinical radiography.

To clarify the exact radiologic features of mucosal carcinoma of the esophagus with a favorable prognosis, contact radiography was performed on 8 surgical specimens diagnosed preoperatively as showing early or superficial carcinoma. Mucosal carcinoma appeared as a well-defined smooth or nodular protrusion or as a feathered flat mucosa with tiny nodulations and barium poolings. Submucosal carcinoma showed a mound-like defect. The size of tumor was not a good index for estimating the depth of invasion. Protruded lesions were easily demonstrated on clinical radiographs and their profile was useful in determining the depth of invasion. Flat lesions were not easy to recognize; attention must therefore be paid not only to mucosal patterns but also to the contour of the esophageal wall.