Risk factors for esophageal carcinoma
Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2024, 60(6), 12-21.
K. Zhelyazkov1, V. Andonov2
1 Military Hospital, Plovdiv. Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv
2 Section of Gastroenterology, University Hospital “Kaspela” – Plovdiv, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv
Abstract. Esophageal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant diseases of the digestive system, as well as one of the most significant oncological diseases worldwide. It is widespread throughout the world, involves both sexes and can develop at any age which determines its great social significance. There are many proven and studied risk factors for its occurrence, and the common aspects between all of them are the appearance and maintenance of a chronic inflammatory process in the esophageal mucosa. Persistent chronic inflammation, as well as an enhanced immune response, lead to varying degrees of cell damage and subsequent malignant transformation. The main symptoms include dysphagia, odynophagia and weight reduction. The first manifestation of clinical symptoms is usually a manifestation of advanced esophageal carcinoma, and the patient’s treatment and prognosis are determined mostly by the stage of the disease.
Key words: esophageal cancer, chronic inflammation, dysphagia, odynophagia
Address for correspondence: Кonstantin Zhelyazkov, e-mail: konstantin.zhelyazkov@gmail.com