OBJECTIVE: In this article, it was evaluated the role of endoscopic procedures for the management of squamous cell esophageal cancer. DATA SOURCE: Relevant publications cited at PubMed database in the last 10 years were analyzed and compared with the experience developed at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Division of the Department of Gastroenterology of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine. Mucosectomy and advanced tumor tunnelization were the most important developments in that area. DATA SYNTHESIS: Endoscopic mucosal resection of early epidermoid cancer of the esophagus is indicated when the lesion is confined to the epithelium (m1) or to the lamina propria (m2). The described 5-year survival rate after endoscopic mucosal resection of intramucosal epidermoid tumor of the esophagus approaches 95%. Based on the available evidence, it seems reasonable to indicate endoscopic mucosal resection as a first-choice treatment for patients with intramucosal epidermoid esophageal carcinoma. There are a variety of endoscopic palliative methods for dysphagia relief in advanced esophageal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The choice will vary according to the anatomical features and location of the tumor, patient preferences, local and expertise availability. The technical success rate for placement of metal stents across the malignant stenosis is close to 100%. The rate of long-term palliation of dysphagia approaches 80% which makes expandable metal stents the treatment of choice for palliation of obstructive symptoms caused by advanced squamous cell cancer of the esophagus.
Esophageal neoplasms; Carcinoma; Esophagoscopy
