Again, much attention was directed at elucidating the tumori-genesis of esophageal cancer at the molecular level. Of the precancerous conditions, columnar metaplasia continues to generate substantial attention worldwide. In particular, attempts to improve the clinical applicability of flow cytometry with objective markers of impending malignancy are quite exciting. Endoscopic ultrasonography was confirmed as the most accurate staging modality of esophageal malignancy, surpassing computed tomography scanning, especially for the less advanced stages. Increasingly, early or superficial cancers of the esophagus are being described. With respect to therapy, a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy continues to generate interest. With respect to palliation, the development of expandable stents may well swing the pendulum back in the direction of intubation to the disadvantage of laser photodestruction.
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