Imaging esophageal cancer in 2018: achievements and challenges

Abstract

Background: Esophageal cancer is the 8th most common cancer worldwide and the 6th leading cause of cancer death worldwide with 5-year survival rates rarely exceeding 40%. Learning objectives: Epidemiology and causes of esophageal cancer will be discussed. Surgical and minimally invasive approaches to treatment of esophageal cancer will be discussed with imaging correlation. Role of CT and PET/CT in staging and surveillance of esophageal cancer will be outlined. Potential role of diffusion weighted imaging, PET/MRI and novel molecular imaging markers for preoperative and post-treatments assessment of esophageal cancer will be discussed. Outcomes: Attendees will increase their familiarity with the most up-to-date imaging techniques for staging and surveillance of esophageal cancer as well as of the most current experimental approaches. Attendees will broaden their understanding of the role of a radiologist in the multidisciplinary management of esophageal cancer patients.