| [ Summary ] |
In this study, patients over 75 years old were defined as elderly. Esophageal carcinoma more frequently occurs in elderly patients, compared to other types of organic carcinoma. Because surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy are invasive treatments, radiation therapy is often selected for esophageal carcinoma. However, for elderly patients without obvious problems in other organs, the standard therapy is, occasionally performed. In our hospital, the treatment results from surgical resection for elderly patients is equal to that for non elderly patients, and the mortality rate is very low. Endoscopic treatment, especially represents a major form of non-invasive therapy, which may be available for most elderly patients as well as for younger patients, this therapy contributes to the total cure of early esophageal carcinoma. However, due to the high incidence of carcinoma in other organs, or complications in respiratory and circulatory organs in elderly patients, it is necessary to decide on treatment plans which take into consideration other elements. |