Pathophysiology and perioperative dystrophy of esophagus cancer: association with malnutrition

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the ninth most prevalent cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is characterized by a high mortality rate, a dismal prognosis, and geographic variations. Up to 80% of EC patients experience malnutrition. As a result, such individuals are among the most nutritionally compromised cancer patients. At the time of diagnosis, patients often experience dysphagia and a loss of body weight, typically exceeding 10%. The available therapeutic options, of which surgical resection is the most prominent treatment option, can also lead to severe malnutrition. Following breakthroughs in perioperative care and surgical procedures, enormous progress has been made in surgical resection in the past decade. Despite these advances, malnutrition remains a significant issue after surgery, leading to a loss of muscle mass, weight loss, and the depletion of vital nutrients due to gastrointestinal problems. Such issues aggravate the functionality of life and increase the risk of tumor recurrence, which have significant effects on the prognosis of EC patients. The current study examined the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and perioperative dystrophy of EC, and its association with malnutrition. Our findings may play a significant role in addressing the physical, emotional, and socioeconomic effects of EC on patients by uncovering nutritional persecution, refining therapeutic approaches, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life of those affected by this disease.