ROENTGENOGRAPHIC ESTIMATION OF THE GROWTH RATE OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCERS

The growth rate of esophageal cancers was investigated by roentgenographic observation in 11 cases (1 early and 10 advanced cancers) which could be retrospectively studied by previous series of roentgenographic examination of the esophagus. They consisted of 10 males and 1 female and their mean age was 66.6 years. On the basis of the growth patterns (size and morphological changes of the tumors), the doubling time was calculated by the Collin's and Kusama's methods. The following results were obtained. 1. Roentgenographic observations revealed rapid growth of the tumors in all cases. 2. The mean doubling time of 11 cases was 3.3 months. 3. In 7 advanced cases which had been initially diagnosed in the early stage, the mean doubling time was 3.6 months. 4. In 3 cases diagnosed as advanced cancers by initial roentgenography, the mean doubling time was 2.4 months. 5. The above findings indicated the rapid growth of esophageal cancers in general.