Review
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World J Gastrointest Oncol. May 15, 2014; 6(5): 112-120
Published online May 15, 2014. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v6.i5.112
Esophageal cancer: A Review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, staging workup and treatment modalities
Kyle J Napier, Mary Scheerer, Subhasis Misra
Kyle J Napier, Mary Scheerer, Subhasis Misra, Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States
Subhasis Misra, Division of Surgical Oncology, Chief of GastroIntestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States
Author contributions: Napier KJ and Scheerer M contributed equally to the writing of this paper and should be deemed both first authors; Misra S was the senior author and guide for this paper.
Correspondence to: Subhasis Misra, MD, MS, FACCWS, FACS, Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Chief of GastroIntestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine, 1400 S Coulter St.Amarillo, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States. subhasis.misra@ttuhsc.edu
Telephone: +1-806-3545563 Fax: +1-806-3545561
Received: November 17, 2013
Revised: December 31, 2013
Accepted: April 11, 2014
Published online: May 15, 2014
Abstract

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.

Keywords: Esophageal cancer, Esophageal cancer staging, Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Esophageal adenocarcinoma, Surgery

Core tip: Esophageal carcinoma is a serious malignancy with regards to mortality and prognosis, and is expected to increase in incidence over the next 10 years. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type of esophageal cancer worldwide but the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has dramatically increased in the past 40 years. Esophageal cancer is staged according to the TNM system. Common imaging modalities used in staging include computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound and positron emission tomography scans. Current treatment options include multimodality therapy. Including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Tumor markers of esophageal cancer are an advancing area of research that could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis.