Abdominal: Oesophageal Carcinoma (brief)

Question 1

how would you investigate a suspected oesophageal carcinoma?

Answer 1

endoscopy & biopsy

“Offer urgent direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for oesophageal cancer in people with dysphagia or those aged 55 and over with weight loss and any of the following: upper abdominal pain, reflux or dyspepsia.”

Question 2

what are the clinical features of an oesophageal cancer?

Answer 2

The most classical is dysphagia, often accompanied by:

• pain (especially when swallowing)
• acid reflux
• loss of appetite
• loss of weight
• anaemia may occur
• coughing/aspiration into lungs possible
• Haematemesis

Question 3

what is Dyspepsia?

Answer 3

indigestion

The term refers to a group of symptoms that often include bloating, discomfort, nausea, and burping. In the majority of cases, indigestion is linked to eating or drinking

Question 4

what is Haematemesis?

Answer 4

vomiting of blood