Esophageal Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

Esophageal cancer is most commonly diagnosed in patients between the ages of 50 and 60. The incidence rate in men is 10 times higher than in women. In its early stages, esophageal cancer is often detected incidentally during an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). In later stages, it is typically diagnosed when symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) become apparent.

Diagnosis

A comprehensive evaluation for esophageal cancer includes:

• Esophagoscopy with biopsy – The primary diagnostic method. If the tumor severely narrows the esophagus, making biopsy sampling impossible, a special brush cytology technique is used to collect cells for microscopic analysis.

• Computed Tomography (CT scan) – Helps determine the tumor stage, assess invasion into surrounding structures (lungs, liver, lymph nodes), and evaluate surgical treatment feasibility.

• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – Assesses the depth of tumor infiltration into esophageal wall layers, aiding in treatment planning.

• PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) – A crucial imaging technique for detecting lymph node involvement and distant metastases.

Treatment

The treatment plan depends on the stage of cancer and the extent of metastasis. Options include:

• Surgical Resection – The primary treatment for localized tumors without distant metastases.

• Radiotherapy – Used either alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy for better disease control.

• Chemotherapy – Administered for advanced cases or in combination with other treatments to reduce tumor size before surgery.

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• 40,000,000 – 45,000,000 KRW (Surgical treatment)