Esophageal Tumor

Owing to the extremely aggressive nature and poor survival rate, esophageal cancer is referred as to one of the most difficult malignancies, with about 15%-25% for 5-year survival. According to global cancer statistics from International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), esophageal cancer is the 8th most common form cancer and the 6th most common death cause from cancer, accompanying with an estimation of 400,000 deaths in 2012 [1]. The incidence rate of esophageal cancer was considerably high in the northeastern part of West Asia, being the top ranking malignancy [2]. There are two main histological sub-types of esophageal cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which have almost completely distinct geographic patterns, time trends, and primary risk factors. There is high prevalence of ESCC in Asia, with up to 95% cases in China. Otherwise, in Europe and United States the predominant histologic subtype is adenocarcinoma which arises on Barrett’s esophagus. In this review, the epidemiology and risk factors of both, the strategy for detection in early stage, treatment and management will be reviewed briefly. Except that, other types tumor, including which arise from mesenchyme of esophagus will also be concerned.