Dena Elsawy Author

Research Article Open Access

The Validity of Barium Swallow in the Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Author(s):

Dena Elsawy, Mahmoud Elsayed, Abdelrahman Ezzat,Phillip Moore

Globus pharyngeus is a common benign condition. Patients with this condition are commonly investigated to exclude the risk of upper aero-digestive malignancies. One of the investigations carried out is barium swallow. However, there is great debate regarding the role of barium swallow in the diagnosis of head and neck cancers. Therefore, the aim of this audit is to review the validity of barium swallow in diagnosing malignancies amongst patients with globus. Data retrieved from the Head and Neck service in Ysbyty Gwynedd reviews all patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, which covers all North West Wales in the period between January 2010 and December 2014. Results show that out of 708 patients, barium swallow suspected malignancy in 5 patients. Th... view more»

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