Tracheoesophageal groove lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the value of CT in diagnosis of tracheoesophageal groove lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer. Methods: 37 cases with tracheoesophageal groove metastatic lymph node from esophageal cancer which were confirmed by pathology were analyzed. Results: (1) Tracheoesophageal groove lymph node metastasis could arise from every portion of esophageal cancer. The manifestation of the right was different from the left. On the right, metastatic lymph nodes grew around the posterolateral wall of trachea and took the form of `L`. The margin was unclear. The density was mostly homogeneous. The trachea was irregularly stenosed and even displaced because of pressure. Common carotid artery and internal jugular vein were pushed the laterally or anterolaterally. On the left, the metastatic lymph nodes were nodular and was attached to the left lateral wall of the trachea. The trachea was mostly shifted to the right. The common carotid artery and internal jugular vein were pushed laterally or posterolaterally. (2) CT should be the criteria to determine the port of radiotherapy in treatment of tracheoesophageal groove metastatic lymph node of esophageal cancer. (3) The size of metastatic lymph node was not parallel with the local lesion of esophageal cancer. (4) Tracheoesophageal groove lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer should be differentiated from thyroid carcinoma, tracheal carcinoma, hypopharyngeal carcinoma and neurogenic tumour. Conclusion: Recognition of CT features of tracheoesophageal groove lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer is helpful in making accurate diagnosis. It is the basis of clinical treatment