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Early Esophageal Cancer: A Gastroenterologist's Disease
Joseph Spataro1,2, Alvin M Zfass3,4, Mitchell Schubert3,4
1Division of Gastroenterology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, 1200 East Marshall St., PO Box 980711, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA. joseph.spataro@vcuhealth.org.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|September 1, 2019
Summary
Endoscopic techniques now enable gastroenterologists to diagnose, stage, and treat early esophageal cancer, shifting management from surgery to endoscopic procedures. This review covers advanced endoscopic tools and therapies for managing esophageal cancer.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Endoscopic Medicine
Background:
- Historically, early esophageal cancer management was primarily surgical.
- Gastroenterologists' roles were limited to diagnosis.
- Recent advancements have transformed the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an evidence-based review of early esophageal cancer management for gastroenterologists.
- To highlight controversies in current practice.
- To discuss the evolving role of endoscopists.
Main Methods:
- Review of novel endoscopic imaging technologies.
- Evaluation of endoscopic resection and staging techniques.
- Analysis of endoscopic therapies and surgical indications.
Main Results:
- Novel endoscopic technologies improve detection of high-grade dysplasia and early esophageal cancer.
- Endoscopic resection and imaging are crucial for accurate staging.
- Endoscopic therapies offer viable treatment options for early esophageal cancer.
Conclusions:
- Diagnosis, staging, and treatment of early esophageal cancer are increasingly managed by endoscopists.
- Endoscopic approaches represent a paradigm shift in esophageal cancer care.
- Multidisciplinary management remains essential for complex cases.
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