Today's approach to esophageal cancer

PREVIEW

Primary care physicians are often the first to evaluate patients presenting with what may be esophageal cancer. Therefore, they serve an essential role in diagnosis, initial staging, and referral to appropriate sub- specialists. In addition, they are likely to contribute to supportive care during therapy and to provide palliation for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. In this article, the authors summarize what family physicians and internists need to know to fulfill this important role.