Open AccessEsophageal cancer: A Review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, staging workup and treatment modalities
Author(s) -
Kyle J Napier,
Mary Scheerer,
Subhasis Misra
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
world journal of gastrointestinal oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.924
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1948-5204
DOI - 10.4251/wjgo.v6.i5.112
Subject(s) - medicine , esophageal cancer , malignancy , cancer , radiation therapy , stage (stratigraphy) , radiology , incidence (geometry) , positron emission tomography , disease , epidemiology , adenocarcinoma , oncology , paleontology , physics , biology , optics
Esophageal cancer is a serious malignancy with regards to mortality and prognosis. It is a growing health concern that is expected to increase in incidence over the next 10 years. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type of esophageal cancer worldwide, with a higher incidence in developing nations. With the increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity in developed nations, the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has dramatically increased in the past 40 years. Esophageal cancer is staged according to the widely accepted TNM system. Staging plays an integral part in guiding stage specific treatment protocols and has a great impact on overall survival. Common imaging modalities used in staging include computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound and positron emission tomography scans. Current treatment options include multimodality therapy mainstays of current treatment include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Tumor markers of esophageal cancer are an advancing area of research that could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis as well as playing a part in assessing tumor response to therapy.