Radiologic assessment of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer represents the third most common gastrointestinal tract malignancy and sixth most common cause of cancer death worldwide [1, 2]. The majority of esophageal cancers are either squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinomas [1, 2]. SCC is the most common pathological subtype with a higher incidence in developing countries [1 - 3]. Esophageal adenocarcinomas comprise 15 % of all esophageal cancers [3]. Other malignant tumors such as sarcomas, lymphoma, and small cell carcinoma n(neuroendocrine tumor) are uncommon [3]. Accurate initial staging of esophageal cancer is required to guide treatment protocols and to estimate prognosis [1 - 5]. Diagnosis.