[Cancer of the esophagus. Principles of treatment]

Preoperative evaluation of esophageal cancer is fundamental to assess the degree of extension of the tumor and operability. Surgery remains the reference treatment for tumors with limited loco-regional extension. The prognosis depends on the degree of mural infiltration and lymph node involvement. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy does not improve survival in randomized trials. In case of inoperability, good paliation can be achieved by electrocoagulation, laser or endoprosthesis, possibly combine with chemotherapy.