Superficial Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Four cases of esophageal carcinoma in which the invasion is limited to the mucosal layer (m-carcinoma) and 7 cases of it in which the invasion invades the submucosal layer (sm-carcinoma) are studied. In the cases of m-carcinoma, both lymphatic invasion and blood vessel invasion were not found. On the other hand, lymphatic invasion was noted in 4 cases among 7 cases of sm-carcinoma, and in these 4 oases, lymphatic invasion or blood vessel invasion was demonstrated in the primary sites. Among 4 patients who had lymph node metastasis, 2 died of the recurrence of carcinoma, and the other 2 died of other diseases. The prognosis of patients without lymph node metastasis was satisfactory. The best way to elevate the prognosis of esophageal carcinoma is to discover it at the stage of m-carcinoma, and in order to achieve it, endoscopic observation combined withh the Lugol-staining method is most influential. It is also recommended to perform the esophageal endoscopic examination with patients visiting us with other diseases.