Role of computed tomography in preoperative evaluation of esophageal carcinoma.

The utility of computed tomography in pretherapy assessment of esophageal carcinoma is reviewed. Computed tomographic findings in 78 patients with histologically proved esophageal carcinoma were corelated with findings at surgery and histopathology. Computed tomography (CT) was found to be fairly accurate in assessing tumor extent, invasion of adjacent mediastinal structures and distant metastases but was of no help in detecting periesophageal lymph node involvement.

Retropharyngeal lipoma.

Lipomata in retropharyngeal region are extremely rare. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is very important to assess invasion of muscles and to prevent local recurrence. A case of retropharyngeal lipoma is being discussed along with review of its clinical, radiological and surgical aspects.