Evaluation of Childhood Events as Risk Factors for the Development of Esophageal Cancer in the Future

Being the sixth most prevalent cancer-related cause of death globally, the frequency of esophageal cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma) increases between the ages of 35 and 64. However, pediatric patients seldom develop esophageal cancer, and case reports make up the majority of the research on pediatric esophageal tumors. In terms of genesis, symptoms, therapy, and kinds, esophageal cancers in children and adults do not differ much when considered together. Chronic irritation from a number of recognized environmental carcinogens and stomach contents in chronic reflux induce esophageal epithelial malignancies, while the exact causes of esophageal cancers in younger age groups remain unknown. It is abundantly obvious that Barrett’s esophagus (BE), which is regarded as the precursor lesion of esophageal cancer, has been primarily documented in relation with the majority of the cases. Aside from a genetic tendency, several underlying conditions put juvenile patients at risk for severe, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and associated consequences, such as BE. These include esophageal atresia, cystic fibrosis, cognitive impairment, obesity, and other inflammatory esophageal issues. Caustic injuries are also included. In this chapter, we would like to emphasize the importance and existence of some specific problems observed especially in childhood in terms of the development of esophageal cancer. It is important and vital to know the existence of children with these problems from an early period and to monitor them closely.