NEOPLASMS OF THE ESOPHAGUS 141 



least eight to ten days. All food and liquids should be with- 

 held for twenty-four hours and for the next four or five days 

 only a small quantity of liquid food given. 



NEOPLASMS OF THE ESOPHAGUS. 



Tumors of the esophagus are very rare and those occurring 

 most commonly are: Epithelioma, sarcoma and carcinoma. 

 These occur most frequently via metastasis. Retention 

 cysts are found at the anterior part of the esophagus. 



Symptoms.— Tumors produce a narrowing of the esophagus 

 similar to stenosis (see Stenosis). When this occurs in the 

 cervical portion the condition may be determined by palpa- 

 tion. A differentiation from foreign bodies, diverticula and 

 dilatation is often made possible by careful palpation. 



Diagnosis.— The kind of tumor can only be determined 

 by obtaining some of the enlargement for microscopical 

 examination. 



Prognosis.— When malignant tumors (carcinoma, sarcoma, 

 epithelioma) are present, the prognosis is very unfavorable; 

 retention cysts unless they interfere with nutrition are more 

 favorable. Small ones may be present without being noticed 

 for a long time. 



Treatment.— No treatment should be attempted for 

 malignant tumors. Retention cysts may be reduced by 

 pressure from the outside or esophagotomy (see Esophagot- 

 omy) may be performed and the cyst wall destroyed. 



