Guidelines for clinical and pathologic studies on carcinoma of the esophagus, ninth edition: Preface, general principles, part I

Preface

This Revision of the English Version of the Guidelines for Clinical and Pathologic Studies on Carcinoma of the Esophagus corresponds to the Japanese Version of the 9th Revision published in February 1999.

The major points of emphasis in this Revision are:

1) Renewal of the descriptions of lymph node metastases consequently accompanied by modification of stages.

2) Improved compatibility with the TNM classification by changing the abbreviation of the depth of tumor invasion from “A” to “T” and the term “resectability” to “residual tumor” or “R”

3) Partial revision of the pathological classification according to the revision of the clinical classification

The English version of the Guidelines is intended mainly for international use. The new Revision may be somewhat too complicated for ready familiarization, especially as to the classification of lymph nodes and related subjects. Along with progress of the treatment for carcinoma of the esophagus, however, the anatomical structure and pathophysiological picture of carcinoma of the esophagus has become clearer in detail. The Guidelines describe these changes as accurately as possible.

Selection of the method of treatment based on the Guidelines should improve treatment results. It is my wish that these Guidelines will become familiar to all esophageal specialists around the world.

Finally, the dedicated efforts of committee members which have made the publication of this Revision possible are deeply appreciated.