Radiologic assessmentl of esophageal cancer

Abstract

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased approximately700 % since the late 1970s, outpacing the rate of growth of other major epithelial malignancies [1]. Meanwhile the incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has declined over several decades [1]. While SCC has no known premalignant condition amenable to screening or treatment, EAC is preceded by Barrett’s esophagus (BE), or intestinal metaplasia, in a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. Therefore, BEhas been a target for screening efforts and eradication via endoscopic approaches inorder to detect and prevent EAC. The risk of developing EAC among patients with untreated BE is thought to be 0.4-0.5 % per year [2]. Men and patients with long-segment BE have a higher risk of progression [3]. The relatively good 5-year prognosis in early-stage disease compared with advanced stages has led to efforts aimed at the early detection of esophageal cancer in BE [4, 5]. The use of endoscopy for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of esophageal cancer continues to evolve.