Improving the Accuracy of TNM Staging in Esophageal Cancer: A Pathological Review of Resected Specimens

Background Controversy exists over the Sixth Edition of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) TNM staging system for esophageal cancer. Inclusion of additional information such as the number of metastatic lymph nodes and extracapsular lymph node invasion may improve the current staging system and lead to optimization of patient treatment.