Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
Esophageal carcinoma in children and adolescents
Magimairajan Issaivanan1, Arlene Redner, Toba Weinstein
1Divisions of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
Background:
Esophageal cancer is rare in children and is limited to isolated case reports. We describe 2 cases of esophageal carcinoma (1 case each of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) and present literature review of esophageal carcinoma in childhood.
Observations:
Both of our patients had common symptoms of progressive dysphagia and significant weight loss at presentation. We were unable to identify any specific predisposing factors for either adenocarcinoma (caustic ingestion, reflux disease, Barrett esophagus) or squamous cell carcinoma (caustic ingestion, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes). Both patients responded poorly to chemotherapy and died of progressive disease.
Conclusions:
On account of the rarity of esophageal carcinoma in this age group, there are no management guidelines for the pediatric oncologist. There is a strong need for collaborative efforts between adult and pediatric oncologists to establish cooperative diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for successful management of rare pediatric tumors like esophageal carcinoma.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...

