PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

After an esophageal stricture, what is the recommended screening protocol for esophageal squamous cancer?

1. Annual CT scans

2. Endoscopies every other year

3. Biopsies every year

4. X-rays every 3 years

The correct answer is: Endoscopies every other year

The recommended screening protocol following an esophageal stricture is to conduct endoscopies every other year. This practice is rooted in the understanding that patients with a history of esophageal strictures are at increased risk for developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly if the stricture is associated with chronic inflammation or injury to the esophageal epithelium. Endoscopy is a crucial tool in this context because it allows for direct visualization of the esophagus and the opportunity to perform targeted biopsies if suspicious lesions are identified. Regular endoscopic screening enables early detection of any precancerous changes or malignant transformations, which is key for improving patient outcomes. While other modalities such as CT scans, X-rays, or annual biopsies may have their respective advantages, they do not provide the same level of detail or direct assessment of the esophageal lining as endoscopy does. This is why endoscopies every other year are prioritized in the screening protocol for patients at risk for esophageal squamous cancer following a stricture.