People with esophageal candidiasis typically present with difficult or painful swallowing.

If the infection resolves after treatment with fluconazole, then the diagnosis of esophageal candidiasis is made and no further investigation is needed.

However, if the infection persists or if there are other factors involved which may warrant further investigation, then patient will undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy if it is safe to do so.

Endoscopy often reveals classic diffuse raised plaques that characteristically can be removed from the mucosa by the endoscope.

Brushing or biopsy of the plaques shows yeast and pseudohyphae by histology that are characteristic of Candida species.