Tumor length as a prognostic factor in esophageal cancer management

Prognostic significance of tumor length in patients receiving esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

“…We demonstrated that there appears to be a “hard” cut‐off value at a tumor length of around 3 cm where survival rates drop rapidly, before remaining stable for longer tumors, rather than a progressive decline in survival by tumor length. This has also been reflected in the literature however the estimates range from 3, 3.5, and 4 cm…”

“…Historically, tumor length was included as part of the TNM staging, but this was abandoned in 1987 . Nevertheless, in recent years studies have demonstrated tumor length to have potential in predicting prognosis . However, these studies had variable methodology: with some using tumor lengths determined by surgeons immediately postoperation, while others only measured using endoscopy .…”

“…16 Nevertheless, in recent years studies have demonstrated tumor length to have potential in predicting prognosis. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] However, these studies had variable methodology: with some using tumor lengths determined by surgeons immediately postoperation, 17 while others only measured using endoscopy. 18 In addition, some studies only included squamous cell carcinomas 19 and others had small sample sizes.…”

“…[16][17][18][19][20][21][22] However, these studies had variable methodology: with some using tumor lengths determined by surgeons immediately postoperation, 17 while others only measured using endoscopy. 18 In addition, some studies only included squamous cell carcinomas 19 and others had small sample sizes. 20 There is debate as to the optimal cut-off value for tumor length as a negative prognostic factor, with studies suggesting either 3, 17,18,22 3.5, 21 and 4 cm 19 measurements.…”

Analysis of Tumour Length and Clinicopathological Features in Carcinoma Oesophagus

“…7 Another study showed increased tumour length as determined by endoscopy associated with the advanced stage of disease and bad prognosis with effect largely influenced in the stage I group of patients. 8 Patients with tumour length of 3 cm or less had improved 5-year survival compared to patients with longer tumour length. 9 When prognostic significance of tumour length was analysed in the group of T1, T2 disease, 5-year survival was not affected by tumour length; however, in the T3-T4 group 5-year survival was better in patients with tumour length of less than or equal to 4 cm.…”