Epidemiology and clinical aspects of esophageal cancer.

A review of the literature is done about the epidemiology and aetiology of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is a relatively uncommon neoplasm in Western countries with a very poor prognosis. In industrialized countries alcohol and tobacco are the major risk factors. Nutritional factors play also an important role in the aetiology of esophageal cancer, particularly a diet rich in cereal but poor in fresh fruit and vegetables, accounts for some of the geographic differences. Several predisposing disorders for esophageal cancer are known and include Barrett's esophagus, achalasia, chronic strictures due to corrosive substances, tylosis, coeliac disease, and the Plummer-Vinson syndrome. The clinical manifestations are also discussed.