Can esophageal cancer be cured?
Disease description:
I heard that a relative is ill with esophageal cancer, and it's quite serious. I'd like to ask, can esophageal cancer be cured?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Early esophageal cancer, especially carcinoma in situ or well-differentiated esophageal cancer, is confined to the mucosal layer without spreading or metastasis. At this stage, more than 90% of patients can achieve a cure through radical surgical resection. Depending on the postoperative pathological findings, adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be required to improve cure rates.
In locally advanced esophageal cancer, although the chance of cure is relatively lower, some patients can still achieve cure through treatment. This typically involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. Approximately half of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer can be cured through this approach.
In advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer, the tumor has already spread and metastasized, making cure extremely difficult. At this stage, the main treatment goals are to prolong survival and improve quality of life. Active and standardized palliative treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, can help control the disease and alleviate symptoms to some extent.
Therefore, patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly upon experiencing any symptoms suggestive of esophageal cancer.
