Endoscopic treatment of early gastroesophageal malignancy

With the routine use of endoscopy, gastroesophageal cancers, which were often diagnosed in the symptomatic and incurable state, are now being diagnosed at earlier stages. Treatment of early-stage upper gastrointestinal cancers has evolved tremendously. Endoscopic therapy has been employed for early-stage lesions in an attempt to avoid the high morbidity and mortality associated with current curative procedures such as esophagectomy. These new endoscopic techniques include endoscopic mucosal resection, photodynamic therapy, electrocoagulation, and laser therapy. Exciting and novel endoscopic therapeutic options in diagnosing and treating early gastroesophageal cancers are the focus of this review.