This is called a biopsy. Biopsies are usually done during the esophagoscopy while the anesthetic is still working so no pain is felt. Sometimes a biopsy may show changes in the esophagus that are not cancer but may lead to cancer. A doctor needs to know the stage of the disease to plan treatment. Stage 0 or carcinoma in situ Stage 0 cancer of the esophagus is very early cancer.
Cancer is found only in the first layer of cells in the lining of the esophagus.
Stage I Cancer is found in only a small part of the esophagus and has not spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other organs. Stage II Cancer is found in a large portion of the esophagus and has spread to all sides of the esophagus, and may have spread to local lymph nodes, but has not spread to other tissues. Stage III Cancer has spread to tissues or lymph nodes near the esophagus, but has not spread to other parts of the body. Stage IV Cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It may come back in the esophagus or in another part of the body.