Esophageal Cancer
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Introduction
Cancer of the esophagus is one of the more serious cancers due to lack of early symptoms and serosal barrier, rich lymphatic flow, and often advanced stage at time of diagnosis. Most carinomas used to be squamous cell, though adenocarcinoma now represents at least 50% of all esophageal carcinomas.
The Case of...
Causes and Risk Factors
Strange pockets of squamous cancers around the world; incidence is decreasing.
Adenocarcinoma incidence is increasing; it is associated with
Pathophysiology
Signs and Symptoms
Usually presents as advanced disease.
- history
- physical exam
History
Physical Exam
Investigations
- lab investigations
- diagnostic imaging
Lab Investigations
Diagnostic Imaging
Differential Diagnosis
Treatments
Surgery is indicated in perhaps 1/3 of of patients. Take out esophagus and upper stomach.
With surgery, median survival is 18 months. With node-negative disease, five-year survival is 40%. Node-positive disease survival is on average 10 months.
Dumping syndrome is possible.
Consequences and Course
Liver mets
Peritoneal malignancy
Resources and References
Topic Development
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