Esophageal cancer is one of the least studied and deadliestcancers worldwide. During the past three decades, importantchanges have occurred in the epidemiologic patterns associatedwith this disease. Recent advances in the diagnosis, staging,and treatment of this neoplastic condition have led to smallbut significant improvements in survival. These new observationsserve as the focus of this review.
Incidence
Cancers arising from the esophagus, including the gastroesophagealjunction, are relatively uncommon in the United States, with13,900 new cases and 13,000 deaths anticipated in 2003.1 Thelifetime risk of this cancer is 0.8 percent for men and 0.3percent . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Pathologic Process
Etiologic Factors
Squamous-Cell Carcinoma
Chronic Irritation
Genetic Predisposition
Other Associations
Adenocarcinoma
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Obesity
Barrett's Esophagus
Pathological Findings
Genetic Findings
Changing Histologic Findings
Prevention, Surveillance, and Screening
Diagnosis
Clinical Presentation
Diagnostic Studies
Staging and Prognosis
Management of Advanced (Stage IV) Disease
Management of Localized Esophageal Cancer
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Combination Therapy
Preoperative Radiotherapy
Preoperative Chemotherapy
Preoperative Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Postoperative Treatment
Nonsurgical Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Control of Symptoms
Dysphagia and Obstruction
Esophageal–Airway Fistula
The Future
Source Information
From the Department of Medical Oncology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute; the Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital; and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School — all in Boston.
Address reprint requests to Dr. Enzinger at the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.
Related Letters:
Esophageal Cancer
Mohammed F., Scherübl H., Zeitz M., Argyres M. I., Enzinger P. C., Mayer R. J.
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N Engl J Med 2004;
350:1363-1364, Mar 25, 2004.
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