Relationship Between Endoscopic Ultrasound Staging and Degree of Stricture in Esophageal Cancer

This will be an observational prospective study. The investigators will aim to enroll 100 male and female adult patients (aged 19 years and over) of all ethnicities/races, who have been referred to Florida Hospital for Endoscopic Ultrasound staging of esophageal cancer. All vulnerable populations will be excluded.

The investigators will be using a standardized data collection form to record presenting symptoms, endoscopy findings, Endoscopic Ultrasound features and final esophageal cancer staging. This is an observational study in which standard of care is being practiced and also as the patients are not placed at additional risk from participating in this study. However, as the investigators are collecting data prospectively, all participants will sign consent. An attempt will be made to see if there is a correlation between stricture tightness encountered at endoscopy (EGD) with advanced disease stage diagnosed at Endoscopic Ultrasound.

Inclusion criteria

1.All patients aged > 18 yrs, who can provide informed consent and referred to Florida Hospitals Endoscopy Unit for EUS staging of esophageal cancer.

Exclusion criteria

• Age < 18 yrs
• Inability to provide informed consent.
• Unable to safely undergo endoscopy for any reason
• Coagulopathy (prolongation of Prothrombin time > 18 secs, thrombocytopenia < 80,000 platelets/ml)
• Limited mental capacity or language skills to the extent simple instructions cannot be followed or information regarding adverse events and follow-up phone visits cannot be provided
• Non-English speaking without a translator.