Can Anemia Be a Prognostic Indicator to Scope for Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma?

Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma is a rapidly progressive disease that has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 20%. It commonly presents with major symptoms of dysphagia and weight loss in addition to a long-standing history of reflux. As of now, screening for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is dependent on identifying risk factors which include a family history of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma or patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and at least one other risk factory for EAC such as age greater than 50 years, obesity or central adiposity, history of smoking, or male gender. Here, we present a case of an individual who presented with rapidly worsening dysphagia which was preceded by early anemia. We hope this case presents anemia as a crucial factor that would warrant screening patients with early complaints of dysphagia or weight loss for esophageal adenocarcinoma.