Cancer of the esophagus: ten-year experience.

A critical analysis of 52 patients with cancer of the esophagus indicates the continuing challenge that this disease entity presents to the surgeon and radiotherapist. Difficulty of cure or palliation is further compounded by the many significant associated medical problems found in certain patient populations, such as that characteristic of our VA Hospital. Although cure is a rarity in cancer of the esophagus, continued palliative efforts must be exerted for these otherwise hopeless patients.