Carcinoma of Esophagus

Abstract

Carcinoma of esophagus is one of the most common cancer worldwide, but its epidemiology is changing. Squamous cell carcinoma is declining in the East, but adenocarcinoma is rising in the West, probably related to the pandemic of obesity and changing lifestyle. Screening of esophageal cancer (both endoscopic and nonendoscopic methods) is recommended in patients suffering from long-term acid reflux symptoms associated with high-risk factors and surveillance in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopy with virtual chromoendoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and CT scan is essential for diagnosis and staging of the disease. Endoscopic therapy can be used to treat early diseases. Surgery remains a mainstay treatment. Multimodality treatment strategies involving combinations of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and more recently immunotherapy and target therapies are gaining momentum.