Increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine whether the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction in a well-defined population was higher than previously recognized.


METHODS
Clinical records and original histological slides from patients residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, were reviewed and compared with a previous study in the same population.


RESULTS
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma rose from 0.13 for 1935-1971 to 0.74 for 1974-1989, and the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction rose from 0.25 to 1.34 per 100,000 person-years. Histological review of preserved surgical specimens showed associated intestinal metaplasia (Barrett's esophagus) in 2 of 2 esophageal and in 5 of 9 esophagogastric adenocarcinomas.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of adenocarcinoma in each location increased five to sixfold compared with the earlier study. This increase could not be explained by improved diagnostic methods or classification changes. The association with Barrett's esophagus and the parallel increased incidence of cancer in each location is evidence that adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and of the esophagogastric junction are related disorders.
Pera
M
M
Section of General Thoracic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Cameron
A J
AJ
Trastek
V F
VF
Carpenter
H A
HA
Zinsmeister
A R
AR
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors