Extent of resection and lymphadenectomy in early squamous cell esophageal cancer

To decide the extent of resection and lymphadenectomy in early esophageal cancer, accurate diagnosis at the preoperative stage is essential. Because in mucosal cancer lymph node metastasis is hardly ever seen, minimal invasive surgery, by endoscopic mucosal resection is indicated. On the other hand, for submucosal cancer lymph node metastasis the rate is as high as 26-45%, therefore, standard resection and systematic lymphadenectomy is indicated, corresponding to that for advanced cancer. In Japan the 5-year survival rate after resection is 98-100% for mucosal cancer and 67-90% for submucosal cancer.