Superficial esophageal carcinoma(SEC)has traditionally been treated with endoscopic therapy and surgery.Surgical procedures have always been the standard approach for the management of esophageal tumors,but they are associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality.In recent years,endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has made significant advancements,offering an effective diagnostic and therapeutic modality for SEC.This article reviewed the comparison of therapeutic efficacy between ESD and surgery for SEC,and discussed the treatment strategies for SEC that extended beyond the indications for ESD,with the aim of enhancing clinicians'understanding of SEC management.