Overview of gastroesophageal junction cancers

Aung Myint Oo,Saleem Ahmed

doi:10.20517/2574-1225.2019.02

Abstract

Oesophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) malignancy is the fastest growing cancer in the Western population. This together with the deadly nature of the disease has attracted increased attention from doctors and researchers alike. The increasing incidence has been primarily attributed to the increase in rates of obesity that in turn causes increased gastroesophageal reflux disease leading to Barrett’s oesophagus and eventually adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus especially at the GEJ. We discuss the epidemiology, risk factors and the management of GEJ tumours.

Highlights

Oesophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) malignancy is the fastest growing cancer in the Western population, especially in United States of America (USA), rising by 6-fold annually on the background of declining rates of most other cancers[1,2]
The increasing incidence has been primarily attributed to the increase in rates of obesity that in turn causes increased gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) leading to Barrett’s oesophagus and eventually adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus especially at the GEJ[3]
The endoscopic option can be considered for early tumours especially for those patients with high risk for surgery

Summary

Introduction

Oesophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) malignancy is the fastest growing cancer in the Western population, especially in United States of America (USA), rising by 6-fold annually on the background of declining rates of most other cancers[1,2]. The indication of endoscopic treatment for early GEJ cancers including Barret’s adenocarcinoma has not been clearly established due to unclear pattern of lymph node metastasis[25]. There was no gastric cancer related death in each group and the incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar in both groups leading the authors to conclude that ESD may be an effective alternative to surgery with comparable long-term oncologic outcomes[27].

Results

Conclusion