CLINICAL-ANAMNESTIC AND PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ESOPHAGEAL MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS AMONG THE POPULATION OF THE FERGANA VALLEY

This study examines the clinical-anamnestic and pathomorphological features of esophageal cancer (EC) within the Fergana Valley population. A comprehensive analysis of 142 patients (2019–2024) was conducted to identify regional risk factors and histological patterns. Results indicate a high prevalence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (82.4%), with a significant correlation between chronic thermal mucosal injury (hot tea consumption >65°C) and advanced tumor stages. Statistical analysis revealed that 64.8% of patients were diagnosed at Stage III-IV, emphasizing a critical delay in medical consultation. Histopathologically, moderately (G2) and poorly differentiated (G3) tumors predominated. The study concludes that regional dietary habits and late-stage detection are the primary drivers of high mortality, necessitating targeted endoscopic screening protocols for the Fergana Valley.