Reflections on the new classification of tumors by the WHO and changes in esophageal cancer in a high-risk area

Abstract

In year 2000, a book entiled the Pathology and Genetics of Tumors of the Digestive System was published by the WHO, presenting some new diagnostic criteria and treatment principles. I have analyzed the epidemiologic change of tumors in over 30 years in the high-risk area with esophageal cancer. The following phenomenon was found: accompanied by the sharp decrease in the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer, there was an increase in the incidence and death rate of stomach cancer involving cardiac cancer. This fact should be considered when analyzing the sharp decrease in esophageal cancer incidence and mortality rate. More attention was given to diagnosis of cardiac cancer; at the same time it is more practical to improve the early screening of cancers. To observe the development of high and low-grade intraepithelial neoplasms will be an urgent task for esophageal cancer research in the high risk area, according to WHO’s new classification.