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Can A Chest X-ray Show Abnormalities With The Esophagus?

Posted on Fri, 11 Dec 2015

Question: Can a chest xray show abnormalities with the esophagus? I hust had one and everything was normal. I am 35 years old and worried i have esophageal cancer and was wondering what type of person gets esophageal cancer before age 40?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
X ray chest is not useful in the diagnosis of Ca Esophagus.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Chest x ray is the wrong test for esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer usually presents with progressive dysphagia, first for foods and then worsening to involve liquids as well. There is weight loss and hoarseness may also occur. Calcium levels may also rise. Endoscopy with tissue biopsy is mandatory if esophageal cancer is suspected. If you don't have this presentation then there is no need to go for such invasive workup.

Please consult a gastroenterologist for further assessment.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (8 minutes later)

Thanks. Since it is such a rare disease, Why would someone get esophageal cancer before age 40?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus is mainly related to smoking and alcohol and can occur in people below age 40 if they smoke and consume alcohol frequently.

Adenocarcinoma is related GERD and XXXXXXX esophagus and occurs mainly in the distal esophagus.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar