Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Esophageal Cancer

食管癌是我国消化系统常见恶性肿瘤，发病时多失去根治性治疗的机会，部分西医治疗因副作用明显导致患者无法耐受。中医药治疗可以明显改善症状和提高生存期，以下通过整理相关文献，总结中医大师对食管炎病因病机的认识、辨证论治思想，以及针对手术、放化疗术后不良反应的中医治疗策略，以期为临床医师提供参考，更好地指导临床实践。Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system in China. Most patients lose the opportunity for radical treatment at the time of diagnosis. Some Western medical treatments cause significant side effects that patients cannot tolerate. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment can significantly improve symptoms and prolong survival. By reviewing relevant literature, this paper summarizes TCM masters’ understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of esophagitis, their thoughts on syndrome differentiation and treatment, and TCM treatment strategies for postoperative adverse reactions after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. This is intended to provide reference for clinicians and better guide clinical practice.