Argon Plasma Coagulation Treatment for superficial esophageal cancer: A Case Report

Since lymph node metastases are rare in early esophageal cancer diagnosed as T1a-EP or T1a-LPM, endoscopic resection (ER) has become the standard treatment for these early esophageal cancers. However, a high level of skill is required for ER of extensive and circumferential lesions, and the risk for postoperative stenosis should also be considered. We herein report a 70-year-old female with wide-spreading superficial esophageal cancer. Superficial esophageal cancer of more than 5cm in size was found in the thoracic esophagus, and argon plasma coagulation (APC) was performed. No signs of recurrence were found at one year after APC. Further follow-up for recurrence is necessary because histological evaluation is not possible in patients who are treated with APC.