Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis
Esophageal cancer Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
---|
Treatment |
Case Studies |
Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis |
FDA on Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis |
CDC on Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis |
Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis in the news |
Blogs on Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis |
Risk calculators and risk factors for Esophageal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: ;Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]
Overview
The incidence of esophageal dysplasia turning malignant is very low, especially outside the United States. Complications of esophageal cancer include dysphagia, anemia, and tracheoesophageal fistula. This finding has caused some uncertainty as to the usefulness of screening. Esophageal cancer is associated with a 5 year survival rate of 20%.
Natural history
- The symptoms of esophageal cancer typically develop insidiously and starts with symptoms such as dysphagia, chest pain and weight loss.[1]
- If left untreated, patients with esophageal cancer may progress to develop vomiting, aspiration pneumonia and hematemesis.
- Depending on the degree of invasion both squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma can cause rupture of the esophagus, which can manifest as hematemesis, melena and severe chest pain.
- Ultimately, esophageal cancer can metastasize and be fatal.
Complications
Complications can occur as a result of esophageal cancer or because of radiotherapeutic treatment.
Complications due to esophageal cancer
Complications due to radiotherapy
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Postradiotherapy esophageal strictures, may lead to recurrent dysphagia.[2]
Prognosis
Prognosis is generally poor, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer is approximately 20%.[3]
References
- ↑ Wang JW, Guan CT, Wang LL, Chang LY, Hao CQ, Li BY, Lu N, Wei WQ (2017). "Natural History Analysis of 101 Severe Dysplasia and Esophageal Carcinoma Cases by Endoscopy". Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2017: 9612854. doi:10.1155/2017/9612854. PMC 5390561. PMID 28465681.
- ↑ O'Rourke IC, Tiver K, Bull C, Gebski V, Langlands AO (1988). "Swallowing performance after radiation therapy for carcinoma of the esophagus". Cancer. 61 (10): 2022–6. PMID 2452006.
- ↑ Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Garshell J, Miller D, Altekruse SF, Kosary CL, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z,Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2011, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2011/, based on November 2013 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2014.