Correlation between Preoperative Computed Tomography and Postoperative Pathological Measurements of Tumor Length in Cases of Carcinoma Esophagus

Objective: To compare the result of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and postoperative pathological measurements of tumor length in cases of carcinoma esophagus. Material and Methods: Computed tomography thorax and upper abdomen with oral and intravenous contrast was done of biopsy proven 100 cases of carcinoma esophagus. The patients were then referred to Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, PGMI, Lady Reading Hospital for esophagectomy. Tumor lengths measured on preoperative computed tomography and on the post-operative resection specimens were recorded. Results: Out of 100 patients, 65 were male and 35 were female. Age ranged from 18 to 82 years with a mean age of 59.9 years. Middle and lower third tumors were present in 50 cases each. On CT scan the esophageal tumor length ranged from 1 cm to 13 cm with a mean length of 4.96 cm, whereas pathological measurements of esophageal tumor length ranged from 1cm to 12 cm with a mean length of 4.72 cm. There was a significant linear correlation between CT and pathology measurements of esophageal tumor lengths. Conclusion: CT assessments generally overestimate macroscopic esophageal tumor length and should not be the only modality used for management decisions.