Classification of esophageal varices by stage.
| Stage | Appearance and characteristics |
| I | Ectasias (sac-like dilatation) of submucosal (“located below the mucosa”) veins; characteristic: they disappear on air insufflation (air injection) |
| II | Single varices protruding into the lumen of the esophagus; characteristic: they persist with air insufflation |
| III | Variceal cords constrict the lumen of the esophagus; “cherry red spots” may exist on the mucosa (mucosa) |
| IV | The lumen of the esophagus is obstructed by the variceal cords; the mucosa (mucous membrane) has many erosions (“defects”) |
Depending on the stage, the risk of bleeding can be assessed.