Esophageal carcinoma in Seychelles : incidence; diagnosis and treatment

Twenty cases of carcinoma of the esophagus (CE) were registered in Victoria Hospital from 1990 to 1995; representing a crude incidence of 4;7 per 100;000 per year. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy in 80 per cent (16 patients) of cases while it was confirmed on postmortem in the remaining 20 per cent (4 cases). Average age at the time of diagnosis was 61.9 years and 90 of cases were men. Histology revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 10 per cent (2 patients). Surgery was performed in 65 per cent (13 patients) of cases and postoperative mortality was 32.5 per cent (4 patients). Among the remaining 9 patients; the survival rate was 77 per cent at 6 months; 44 per cent at one year; 22 per cent at two years; and 11 per cent at 5 years