Histological pattern of esophageal cancer at BP Koirala memorial cancer hospital in Nepal: a three year retrospective study

Abstract

Background: The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing in trends. Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption. Adenocarcinoma is often associated with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. The aim of this study was to find out the histological pattern of esophageal cancer in one of the largest Cancer center in Nepal.Materials and Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2011, a total of 106 cases of esophageal cancer were received in the department of pathology, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital. Relevant clinical data were retrieved from computer database of the hospital.Results: A total of 106 cases of esophageal carcinomas were diagnosed during a three years period. There were 68 (64.15%) cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 33 (31.13%) cases of adenocarcinoma including signet ring cell carcinoma, 4 (3.76%) cases of undifferentiated carcinoma and 1 (0.94%) case of small cell carcinoma. The esophageal cancer was most common in the age group of 61-70 years of age. Distal third of esophagus was the most common site for esophageal carcinoma, followed by middle esophagus and proximal esophagus.Conclusion: The most frequent type of esophageal carcinoma is squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma. Distal esophagus is the most common site with male preponderance.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2012) Vol. 2, 277-281DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i4.6877