Application of Pathological Staging in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Pathological staging is the most important factor that determines the prognosis and management of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The method for the pathological staging in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma involves assessment of standard parameters-extent of tumor (T), lymph node status (N), presence of distant metastasis (M), as well as grade (G) and anatomical location of the carcinoma. In addition, other relevant factors, such as use of neoadjuvant therapy, could affect the pathological staging of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.