Etiopathogenetic, clinical-diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in esophageal cancer: State of the Art
Information for nursing staff, 2026, 58(1),33-37.
K. Angelov1, N. Nachev2, E. Yordanov2, N. Khayat3, A. Sharkov4, A. Zlatarov5, T. Dyulgerov6
1Department of Surgery, Medical University – Sofia, UMHAT Alexandrovska – Sofia
2Laboratory of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University Sveti Kliment Ohridski – Sofia
3Department of Burn Care and Plastic Sugery, UMHATEM “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia
4Department of Communication and Audiovisual Production, Facylty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Sofia University Sveti Kliment Ohridski – Sofia
5Deparment of General and Operative Surgery, Medical University Prof. Dr Paraskev Stoyanov – Varna
6Clinic of Psychiatry, UMHAT Alexandrovska, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. Introduction: Malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have a high level of mortality and morbidity among the population. The majority of affected individuals are of working age. This type of disease requires the intervention of highly qualified and specialized medical care, as well as complex treatment with the use of expensive drugs and high-tech processes. The aim of this publication is to review the current etiopathogenetic, clinical-diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: A literature review of scientific publications selected by keywords was performed. Results and Discussion: Esophageal cancer is an aggressive malignant disease with a poor prognosis, despite the significant progress in multimodal therapy. Its clinical significance stems from its late symptoms and tendency to early metastasis, which often leads to diagnosis at an advanced stage. The management of esophageal cancer is complex and requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach that integrates the efforts of gastroenterologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation therapists, pathologists and imaging specialists, according to modern clinical guidelines from leading organizations such as the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), USA.
Key words: esophageal cancer, etiology, pathogenesis, pathoanatomy, staging, treatment
Address for correspondence: Prof. Dr. Kostadin Angelov, MD, e-mail: dr.k.angelov@gmail.com