Esophageal cancer overview
|
Esophageal cancer Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Esophageal cancer overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Esophageal cancer overview |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Esophageal cancer overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms, and are diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated with surgery, and advanced tumors are treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combinations. Prognosis depends on the extent of the disease and other medical problems, but is fairly poor.[1]
Classification
Esophageal cancer may be classified into squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma based on histology.
Pathology
The pathophysiology of esophageal cancer depends on the histological subtype.
Differential diagnosis
Esophageal cancer must be differentiated from *gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, esophageal achalasia, gastritis, gastric ulcer, and stomach cancer.
Epidemiology and Demographics
The majority of esophageal cancer cases are reported in the “Asian belt” area which includes China, Japan, India, Iran, Turkey, among other Middle Eastern countries.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors in the development of esophageal cancer are tobacco smoking, alcohol, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett's esophagus.
Prognosis
Esophageal cancer is associated with a 5 year survival rate of 20%.
References
- ↑ Enzinger PC, Mayer RJ. Esophageal cancer. N Engl J Med 2003;349:2241-52. PMID 14657432.