2863 Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Esophageal Carcinoma: A Four-Year Experience From Largest Referral Centre of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive tumor that carries a poor prognosis. EC is the fourth commonest malignant tumor reported in Pakistan. Objective of this study was to assess epidemiological and clinical characteristics of EC, identified over a 4-year period at the largest referral centre of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: This retrospective study covered all histopathologically confirmed cases of esophageal carcinoma from endoscopic biopsy, seen within the 4-year period from January 2015 to December 2018. RESULTS: Over the period of 4 years, 548 patients with EC had been identified, 45 patients were excluded due to incomplete records. Their ages ranged from 15 to 92 years with a mean of 49.20 years (SD ± 14.35). Female were 286 (56.9%) and male 217 (43.1%). Dysphagia and weight loss were the most common symptoms. Most of the patients were belong to the province of Sindh 420 (83.5%). Beetle nuts, pan and gutka were the most predominant risk factors in 378(75.1%) of patients. The most common cancer subtype was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which included 417(83%) patients. Adenocarcinoma (AC) was diagnosed in 86 (17%) of patients. EC predominantly involved mid to distal esophagus (64%). CONCLUSION: Esophageal carcinoma is one of the most prevalent cancers in Pakistan, and its incidence is increasing day by day. The reason for raised incidence was associated with increased consumption of beetle nuts and gutka in certain parts of the country. It is hoped that this study will be an important step towards developing a comprehensive laws against consumption of gutka and beetle nuts.