What is the risk of recurrence in a 47-year-old female with squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma of the esophagus, who is a non-smoker, non-alcoholic, and does not consume hot beverages, compared to other patient groups?

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Last updated: February 15, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The risk of recurrence in a 47-year-old female with squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma of the esophagus, who is a non-smoker, non-alcoholic, and does not consume hot beverages, is lower compared to other patient groups, particularly those with a history of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Risk Factors

  • The evidence suggests that tobacco and alcohol use are major risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus, with a 5 to 9-fold increased risk of OSCC overall 1.
  • Smoking and alcohol synergize to increase the risk of OSCC by threefold 1.
  • The patient's lack of exposure to these risk factors may contribute to a lower risk of recurrence.

Comparison to Other Patient Groups

  • Patients with a history of smoking and alcohol consumption are at a higher risk of recurrence due to the increased risk of developing second primary cancers, such as head and neck and lung cancers 1.
  • The incidence of oesophageal cancer is higher in men, with a twofold to threefold difference in incidence and mortality rates between the sexes 1.
  • The patient's age and sex may also play a role in determining the risk of recurrence, with younger patients tend to be diagnosed in more advanced stages 1.

Treatment and Follow-up

  • The treatment and follow-up of oesophageal cancer depend on various factors, including the stage and subtype of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health 1.
  • Local ablative treatment of dysplastic lesions and early cancers may result in excellent long-term outcomes, without the requirement for extensive oesophageal resection or intensive oncological treatment 1.
  • Patients with locally advanced cancer frequently develop recurrent disease following surgery alone, and either chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is recommended as an adjunct to (or instead of for OSCC patients) surgery for such patients 1.

From the Research

Risk Factors for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The risk factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) include:

  • Tobacco smoking 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Excessive alcohol consumption 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Dietary factors, such as high-temperature foods 5
  • Genetic factors 5
  • Microorganisms and other environmental factors 2
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from various sources 5
  • Poor oral health and the microbiome 5

Risk of Recurrence in Specific Patient Groups

There is limited information available on the risk of recurrence in a 47-year-old female with squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma of the esophagus, who is a non-smoker, non-alcoholic, and does not consume hot beverages. However, the following factors may influence the risk of recurrence:

  • Tumor depth and diameter 6
  • Invasion beyond subcutaneous fat 6
  • Perineural invasion 6
  • Poor differentiation 6
  • Location of the tumor 6
  • Immunocompromised status 6

Comparison to Other Patient Groups

Compared to other patient groups, the risk of recurrence in a 47-year-old female with ESCC who is a non-smoker, non-alcoholic, and does not consume hot beverages may be lower due to the absence of major risk factors such as tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption 2, 3, 4, 5. However, the actual risk of recurrence would depend on various factors, including the stage and characteristics of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health status.

Relevant Studies

Studies have shown that the incidence of ESCC is higher in certain regions, such as Eastern Asia and Africa 2, 3, 5. Additionally, screening for ESCC can be recommended in high-risk populations living in highly endemic regions 4. However, there is limited information available on the risk of recurrence in specific patient groups, such as non-smokers and non-alcoholics 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Introduction: Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Current Status and Future Advances.

Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2020

Research

Esophageal Cancer: An Updated Review.

Southern medical journal, 2021

Research

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus.

Gastroenterology clinics of North America, 2022

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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