Thread: upper GI series question - Cancer: Support Group at WebMD

Is a upper GI series accurate when it comes to finding cancer in the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and other organs? or would a CT scan be better? Also I was wanting to know what would be good for finding abnormalities in lymph nodes?  

Replying to: upper GI series question I think an upper GI is great for what your going through. I, personally would ask why they are not doing a colonoscopy also. They tested MY lymph nodes by taking a few out when I had my lumpectomy. Not sure how they would do it for you. Good luck!

Replying to: upper GI series question Hi Jim, Another thing is that they could also 'scope' you too....down the throat with the long tube. They did mine a while ago when I went in for esophageal lesions (turns out had a hiadal hernia), but the doc was able to snip a piece while he was in there for a biopsy to be sure. But yeah, the Upper GI will show lumps/growths, etc...as to the lymph nodes....unless they're swollen...

Replying to: upper GI series question There are other "scans" which might be useful. PET finds spots where glucose is being consumed -- cancer is one reason. ERCP looks at the biliary duct, gall bladder, pancreas and liver. MRCP is similar. MRI is another. I'll bet there are many that I've never heard of -- trust your doc to call for what he needs.