# Pioneering Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the West: Technique Introduction With a Comprehensive Case Report on the First Application for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

## TL;DR

This paper reports the first Western use of endoscopic submucosal dissection for oropharyngeal cancer, highlighting its potential in Western medicine.

## Contribution

The first documented case of ESD for oropharyngeal SCC in the Western world is presented.

## Key findings

- A Caucasian female with superficial oropharyngeal SCC underwent successful ESD with tumor-free margins.
- The case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of ESD for oropharyngeal SCC in a Western setting.
- The report emphasizes the need to expand the gastroenterologist's role to include pharyngeal surveillance.

## Abstract

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has predominantly been performed in Asia but interest in this procedure is growing in the West. This report details the first known Western application of ESD for oropharyngeal SCC. A Caucasian female with superficial oropharyngeal SCC detected during endoscopic surveillance post-ESD for esophageal SCC underwent successful en-bloc resection without complications. Pathology confirmed SCC in situ with tumor-free margins. This case underscores the importance of mindset to include the pharynx in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during surveillance within the gastroenterologist's domain and the potential for broader application of ESD in the West.