[Endoscopic microwave treatment of 53 cases with esophageal and cardiac cancer]

Fifty-three cases with moderate or advanced esophageal and cardiac cancer treated by endoscopic microwave therapy are reported. The results showed that after 2 to 4 treatments, dysphagia was relieved in 52 (98%), esophageal re-expansion was seen in 48 (90%). Improvement was most pronounced in lesions predominantly shown as localized polypoid projection type. Biopsy after treatment was confirmed pathologically as necrosis in 24 cases. After treatment, the follow-up of 22 cases for over 3 months and 8 cases for over 6 months was carried out. 22/22 could maintain the therapeutic effectiveness and 5/8 were on soft diet (noodles and steamed bread). Microwave therapy is a palliative measure that can definitely improve the dysphagia in short term courses and prolong the survival. Microwave endoscopy, being easy in manipulation without complications, is very useful in the treatment of esophageal and cardiac cancers contra-indicated for surgery.