Endoscopy in Esophageal Cancer: An Oncologist's Perspective

Both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common histologic types of esophageal cancer and present distinct epidemiologic and etiologic factors and pathobiology. After accurate staging, patients with potentially resectable disease who are candidates for radical surgery can be considered for concurrent chemoradiation followed by surgery. Neoadjuvant/preoperative chemotherapy is particularly useful in those adenocarcinomas originated in the esophagogastric junction. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy have a role in the palliative setting, in selected patients. Ongoing trials will clarify some unsolved issues in esophageal cancer.