Prognostic factors in T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus.

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Abstract
ESOPHAGEAL carcinoma is one of the most malignant tumors, with a dismal prognosis. Among several clinicopathologic factors affecting the outcomes of patients with esophageal carcinoma, the depth of penetration is the crucial factor determining the prognosis.1-3 Patients with superficial (T1) esophageal carcinoma have a significantly favorable clinical course compared with those with advanced cancers. The outcome for patients with T1 cancer is excellent, with a 5-year disease-specific survival rate exceeding 80%.4-6 Conversely, the prognosis of patients with locally advanced (T3 and T4) tumor is far from satisfactory.7-9 Prognostic indicators, however, in patients with T2 tumor have not been fully understood.