Esophageal cancer

The incidence of esophageal cancer, in particular esophageal adenocarcinoma, is increasing, largely due to an increase in risk factors for adenocarcinoma. When esophageal cancer is confirmed by upper endoscopy, staging is required for the optimal selection of patients who should undergo esophageal resection. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation may be able to improve survival after esophageal cancer surgery. Endoscopic therapy for early esophageal neoplasia is effective and safe, with the best results being obtained by an individualized approach using endoscopic mucosal resection, ablative therapy, or both. Finally, dysphagia from esophageal cancer can be successfully treated with stent placement or single-dose brachytherapy. Future research should establish whether combinations of chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy play a role in survival.