Esophageal Cancer in the Sudan: Focus on the Screening for EBV and the Surgical Management

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to screen for the existence of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in esophageal cancer (EC) tissue samples obtained from Sudanese patients and to review the available literature associated with surgical management. Methodology:In this retrospective study 102 formalin fixed paraffin wax embedded tissue's blocks were retrieved from histopathology laboratories in Khartoum City, Sudan and subsequently tested by Immunohistochemical methods for the presence of EBV. All specimens were previously diagnosed as having esophageal carcinoma. Results:As regards Immuno histochemistry (IHC) staining for EBV, positive findings were revealed in 22 (21.5%) and 79/ (78.5%) of the study subjects were negative. Of the 55 males with esophageal cancer, 15/55 (27%) were identified with EBV infection and the remaining 40/55(73%) found without EBV infection. Of the 46 females with esophageal cancer, 7/46(13%) were found positive for EBV immuno staining and the remaining 39/46(87 %) were found negative for EBV. Conclusion:EBV might have some etiological effects contributing to the occurrence of esophageal cancer in Sudan. Crucial preventive strategies are extremely needed to reduce the burden of esophageal cancer in Sudan.