The validity of barium swallows in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer patients (globus pharyngeus)

<p>Mahmoud Elsayed, Phillip Moore and Ahmed Allam</p>

The validity of barium swallows in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer patients (globus pharyngeus)

Mahmoud Elsayed, Phillip Moore and Ahmed Allam

Ysbyty Gwynedd, UK

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Abstract

Globus pharyngeus is a common benign condition with controversial management. Patients with globus pharyngeus are usually investigated to exclude the possibility of upper aero-digestive malignancies. There is a great debate about the role of barium swallow in the management of this condition. Review of all head and cancer patients diagnosed at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board which is covering all North West Wales in the period between January 2010 and December 2014 has confirmed that barium swallow has a very limited sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing head and neck cancer. We conclude that barium swallow should not be requested routinely as part of management of globus pharyngeus patients. This approach will reduce the cost and radiation effect of unnecessary investigations.