[Screening the at-risk population for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus].
Together with adenocarcinoma, epidermoid esophageal carcinoma is the most clinically important neoplasm of the esophagus. Because of the low incidence of epidermoid esophageal carcinoma in the general population, strategies for its early diagnosis are not a priority compared with other neoplasms. However, because survival is low when the disease is diagnosed in symptomatic patients (less than 20% at 5 years), methods for its early diagnosis should be investigated. The use of cytology or Lugol chromoendoscopy in countries with a high incidence of epidermoid carcinoma or in individuals at increased risk (mainly alcoholics and smokers) has allowed early diagnosis and potentially curative treatment, substantially increasing life expectancy in this group of patients. These results should stimulate the evaluation and eventual implementation of programs to achieve early diagnosis and therefore greater survival in patients with epidermoid esophageal carcinoma in Western countries.
Nicolás Pérez
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Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España.
Quintero
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Parra Blanco
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D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007454:Iodides; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D009780:Occult Blood; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D015995:Prevalence; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D015996:Survival Rate; D014048:Tolonium Chloride
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007454:Iodides; D014048:Tolonium Chloride; C010389:Lugol's solution