Esophageal carcinoma in el-gharbia governorate, Egypt: Clinico-epidemiologic study and treatment outcome

Abstract

Background: Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is rare and little is known about them in Egypt. Gharbia population-based cancer registry (GPBCR) is the first population-based cancer registry in Egypt located in the Tanta Cancer Center (TCC). It has been successfully functioning since January 1999, covering 4.1 million population. We aimed to determine EC characteristics in Egyptian patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of 70 cases with ECs, who were identified in GPBCR between January 2000 and December 2002; of whom 35 were treated at TCC. Patients’ medical records were reviewed regarding clinic-epidemiologic, treatment, and follow-up data. Results: Median age was 60 years (range, 18-83 years) with male predominance (63%). Dysphagia was the most common presentation (75%). The lower third was the commonest site (55%) followed by the middle third (25%). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the commonest histology (66%) followed by adenocarcinoma (AC; 24%). Majority of ACs (70%) were located in the lower esophagus while SCC had no site of preference (p=0.04). Less than one third of patients were candidates for radical treatment while the majority of patients received palliative and supportive treatment. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were employed in 43%, 20%, and 34% of patients respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 6 and 7 months, respectively. Site, histology, stage and treatment modality had no significant impact on survival. Conclusions: Esophageal carcinoma in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt is characterized by predominance of male gender, lower third location and squamous histology. Overall and progression free survivals are dismal.