Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus: Continuing Poor Prognosis Among Veterans
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1986
Description
A retrospective analysis of 26 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus treated at our center over a five-year period showed that the prognosis of this condition was still poor, with a mean length of survival of only 29 weeks after diagnosis; 88% of this period was spent in the hospital. The one-year survival rate was 23%. There were no two-year survivors. No major difference in survival based on method of treatment was evident though the groups were not truly comparable. We believe that a more thorough initial work-up including computerized tomography (CT) of the chest and upper abdomen in all cases would be invaluable in more accurately assessing the degree of spread. More frequent use of dilation and stents for palliation, rather than gastrostomy or jejunostomy will improve both survival and the quality of remaining life.
Citation Information
Thomas, Eapen; and Farnum, James B.. 1986. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus: Continuing Poor Prognosis Among Veterans. Southern Medical Journal. Vol.79(1). 17-20. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-198601000-00006 PMID: 2418507 ISSN: 0038-4348