Epidemiology of Esophageal and Stomach Cancers
Esophageal cancer and gastric (stomach) cancer are common in certain geographic belts, particularly across parts of Asia. Esophageal cancer is broadly classified into squamous cell carcinoma (commonly affecting the upper esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (more frequent in the lower esophagus). Gastric cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide.
Risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For gastric cancer, major contributors include Helicobacter pylori infection, high intake of salted or preserved foods, smoking, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Warning symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), unexplained weight loss, epigastric pain, or vomiting blood require immediate medical evaluation. Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy confirms diagnosis, while endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), CT scan, and PET-CT are used for accurate staging.
Surgery remains the cornerstone of curative treatment for resectable disease. Procedures such as esophagectomy (with gastric pull-up) and partial or total gastrectomy require high surgical expertise to minimize complications and preserve quality of life.
Dr. Kapil Kadian employs advanced minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic gastrectomy and minimally invasive esophagectomy, which help reduce postoperative pain, speed recovery, and improve nutritional outcomes. D2 lymphadenectomy is routinely performed in gastric cancer to ensure comprehensive lymph node clearance.
Advanced & Multimodal Care
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation improves surgical outcomes in esophageal cancer, while perioperative chemotherapy (FLOT regimen) has shown significant benefit in gastric adenocarcinoma. Targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab for HER2-positive gastric cancer, add precision to treatment. Very early cancers may be managed with endoscopic resection.
Preventive strategies include H. pylori eradication, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. With specialized surgical oncology care, 5-year survival rates of 40–50% can be achieved in localized disease, with strong emphasis on long-term quality of life.