ENDOSCOPIC PALLIATION FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Endoscopic esophageal dilation, laser therapy, and plastic and metal s tent placement provide effective palliation of dysphagia in most patie nts with esophageal cancer. Because the techniques and indication are still being refined, the choice of endoscopic palliation should be bas ed on patient-specific factors such as location and character of the t umor and more importantly on the availability of physician expertise.