Shock in Esophageal Cancer

In its simplest definition, shock is the failure to meet the metabolic needs of the cell. Initial cellular damage is reversible. However, the damage becomes irreversible as the duration of vital tissue hypoperfusion is prolonged. Cancer patients have an increased incidence of shock relative to the general population possibly related to immunosuppression caused by the malignancy itself or its treatment. Esophageal cancer is an aggressive malignancy associated with an overall poor prognosis. Various conditions can be encountered, from hemorrhagic shock with life-threatening acute hemorrhages to septic shock due to organ dysfunctions caused by chronic oncological disease or tumor necrosis. It is necessary to keep in mind the situations that can cause shock. Suspicion, early diagnosis, and initiation of treatment can be lifesaving. Causes associated with increased mortality are directly related to the degree of organ dysfunction.