Treatments of Recurrent Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Abstract

One hundred-five mortality cases of recurrent carcinoma of the esophagus following esophagectomy were divided into four groups according to the type of first-site recurrence. They were: cervical first-site recurrence 18.1%; thoracic 41.9%; abdominal 13.3%; other distant metastasis 26.7%. The intervals from esophagectomy to the first-site recurrence differed with the type of first-site recurrence and the degree of operative curability. In thoracic first-site recurrence and distant metastatic cases that underwent curative resection, the interval was 15 to 20 months and for the non-curative resection cases, this was within 6 months. In cervical first-site recurrent cases, the interval was 24 months for curative resection cases and within 6 months for non-curative cases. In abdominal first-site recurrent cases, the interval was 6 months and within 5 months respectively. Survivals over 12 months after treatments of recurrence were seen in 21.0% of the cervical first-site recurrent cases and in 4.5% to 7.1% in the other cases. To improve the results in the treatment of recurrent carcinoma of the esophagus, it is most important to diagnose the recurrence as fast as possible. Prior to manifest the first-site recurrence, the cervical lymph nodes, the abdominal masses and liver must be carefully palpated. Again, it is vital to pay heed to symptoms of hoarseness, cough, hemoptoe, emaciation and anorexia. Pains in the back and lower back may be significant to the beginning of recurrence and observation must be made.