Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2022 Sep;51(3):457-484. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.06.005. Epub 2022 Aug 29.

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is common in the developing world with decreasing incidence in developed countries and carries significant morbidity and mortality. Major risk factors for ESCC development include significant use of alcohol and tobacco. Screening for ESCC can be recommended in high-risk populations living in highly endemic regions. The treatment of ESCC ranges from endoscopic resection therapy or surgery in localized disease to chemoradiotherapy in metastatic disease, and prognosis is directly related to the stage at diagnosis. New immunotherapies and molecular targeted therapies may improve the dismal survival outcomes in patients with metastatic ESCC.

Keywords: Endoscopic eradication therapy; Epidemiology; Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; Prognosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / therapy
  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma* / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma* / etiology
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma* / therapy
  • Esophagectomy / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy / adverse effects
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies