Which Of Barium Swallow And Endoscopy Is A Better Test To Diagnose Cancer?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015

Question: Hello,
I was wondering what was better to do a barium swallow, or an endoscopy? What has more risks? What can detect cancers better? Or are they similar?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Endoscopy can detect cancer better than barium swallow .

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

Endoscopy can detect cancer better than barium swallow .

Barium swallow involve radiation exposure while endoscopy mostly done under local anesthetic spray .Hence , endoscopy less risky .

Barium swallow is first screening test to rule out any motility , regurgitation & obstructive swallowing disorders . Since it is less expensive .

Endoscopy give clear picture of throat , larynx & upper esophagus hence rule out any mechanical obstruction like cancer . It is expensive test than Barium swallow but give clear idea . Biopsy can be done in same setting if any obstructive lesion seen.

As per your clinical history it appears that you are most probably having cricopharyngeal spasm .

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (2 hours later)

Can that come with alot of viral throat infections and strep throat? It is the worst feeling and totally scary! I had an ultrasound that came up a 1cm complex partially cystic nodule and my doctor said that wouldn't cause what I was having.

What would you do if you had that feeling of fullness in your throat for relief?

You are the most helpful dr. yet!

Scared..

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes , it can come after viral throat infections and strep throat .

Detailed Answer:
Yes , it can come after viral throat infections and strep throat .

Thyroid nodule will not cause Lump like sensation inside throat unless very large in size compressing trachea & esophagus .

I had this feeling of fullness in throat after bacterial throat infection .

If I were your treating doctor , I would advice
Antiseptic Mouth Wash twice daily like betadin /chlorhexidine ,
Tablet Esomeprazole in morning ,
Tab Ibuprofen twice daily after &
Tab Antihistamine like Claritin at night .

You will get relief .

You will need to see your doctor to get a prescription .

Hope this information helpful to you .

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (17 hours later)

Hi

I went to the er today because a perfume smell aggravated this situation and they have me a steroid shot in my buttocks.. Now I'm having a numbness in my legs but I am getting some relief! Also the gargling has helped. Is this numbness normal from a steroid shot?

Thank you for all your help! The Canadian healthcare system is totally inferior!

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes , numbness is common after steroid injection.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up query.

Yes numbness is common after steroid shot upto 5-7 days .

You are likely having allergic reaction to perfume , steroid injection will give you relief .

Follow the treatment plan, you will get relief .

Wish you good health .

Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (20 hours later)

So, they did give me more antibiotics...
to take if i didn't feel better.
Apo-Amoxi Clavulin 500mg & 125 mg for 21 days/ twice a day.
At night i don't feel better..
Would you take these? He said, my tonsils could be holding infection. I just haven't ever had a virus or a bacteria ever last this long. He also said that was common.

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would advice use Apo-Amoxi Clavulin 500mg & 125 mg for 10 days

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up query.

I would advice use Apo-Amoxi Clavulin 500mg & 125 mg for 10 days/ twice a day with antacid tab Rantac to avoid stomach disturbance . Continue other medication as advised .

Local Antiseptic Mouth Wash twice daily like betadin /chlorhexidine will take care of chronic tonsillitis without any side effect .

At night you will need Tab Ibuprofen after food &
Tab Antihistamine like Claritin at night .

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar