Early radiographic manifestations of carcinoma of the esophagus.

The survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma is greatest if treatment is begun when the tumor is small and confined to the esophagus. To better define the early radiographic manifestations of this disease, we analyzed the clinical and pathological information and the radiographs from 9 patients with esophageal carcinomas 3.5 cm or less in diameter. All tumors involved one wall of the esophagus and most appeared as plaques or flat sessile polyps, occasionally with central ulceration. Air-contrast views of the distended esophagus demonstrated the tumors to best advantage and should facilitate early detection.