Clinical characteristics analysis of 1482 cases of esophageal cancer in western Guangxi, China

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and trends of esophageal cancer at the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities over the past 30 years, aiming to inform prevention and treatment strategies in western Guangxi. Medical records from January 1994 to December 2023 of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer were reviewed. Patients were grouped into three 10-year intervals for comparative statistical analysis, focusing on variables such as pathological type, onset location, age, clinical stage, ethnicity, gender, treatment modality, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and urban-rural distribution. The majority of esophageal cancer cases were males (81.24%), predominantly Han Chinese (61.07%), with the disease mostly occurring in the middle esophagus (59.99%). Squamous carcinoma was the most common pathology (90.22%), with progressive dysphagia being the prevalent symptom (78.14%). Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages, with an increase in those receiving comprehensive treatment (47.90%).Esophageal cancer in western Guangxi shows an aging trend with higher incidence in rural areas. The predominant pathology is squamous cell carcinoma, with the middle esophagus being the common site. There is a need to enhance cancer prevention education in rural areas, tailor prevention strategies to regional clinical characteristics, and improve outcomes through routine screening and early treatment in high-risk groups.