Evaluation and management of aerodigestive conditions

More than 250,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with tumors involving the aerodigestive systems yearly. The majority of these malignancies arise from lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and metastatic disease. Unfortunately, these patients frequently present in later stages of their disease due to lack of symptoms in early stages. Consequently, the prognosis is often poor and treatment does not include surgical resection. These patients are often gravely ill and their tumors are life threatening conditions. In the case of esophageal cancer malnutrition and dehydration are common symptoms. In the case of lung cancer or metastatic disease to the airway severe symptoms including respiratory failure, hemoptysis, and obstructive pneumonia frequently occur. Management of these patients is frequently challenging but can be rewarding. Successful management allows for increased treatment options as well as prolonging and improving quality of life. In this manuscript the authors describe management options, various tools and outcomes associated with aerodigestive conditions.