Cancer of Oesophagus Flashcards
State the incidence of Oesophageal Cancer.
80% develop over age of 60.
State a risk factor for Oesophageal Cancer.
1) Lifestyle factors e.g. obesity, smoking, alcohol, achalasia (muscular ring that closes off oesophagus from stomach).
2) Barrett’s oesophagus (reflux causing).
3) Radiotherapy
Define Metaplasia.
Occurs in Barrett’s oesophagus - when mature differentiated cell transforms into new mature cell type.
Define Dysplasia.
Occurs in Barrett’s oesophagus - when tissue develops a large number of immature cells to become
State a type of Carcinoma of the Oesophagus.
Adenocarcinoma. Squamous Carcinoma.
Define an Adenocarcinoma of the Oesophagus.
Lower oesophageal mucosa damaged by the reflux of acid and gastric content in hiatus hernia. Results in metaplasia (Barrett’s oesophagus), progresses to dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.
Where does a Squamous Carcinoma arise from in Oesophageal Cancer?
Arises from a Squamous Carcinoma.
Define Barrett’s Oesophagus.
Is the condition in which there is an abnormal (metaplastic) change in the mucosal cells lining the lower portion of the oesophagus. It’s caused by chronic inflammation.
State a symptom of Oesophageal Cancer.
Difficulty swallowing. Persistent heartburn. Weight loss. Pain in throat/behind the sternum. Regurgitation of food.
State an investigation of Oesophageal Cancer.
Oesophagoscopy - camera with a biopsy for staging. Blood tests (full blood count, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests). Staging CT scan (chest, abdomen and pelvis).
State a treatment for Oesophageal Cancer.
1) Endoscopic therapy for early cancer with mucosa - Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Endoscopic Submucosal Resection (ESD).
2) Chemotherapy - neo-adjuvant chemotherapy before treatment (surgery), peri-operative chemotherapy.
3) Surgery - Oesophagectomy
4) Palliative for Advanced Cancer
State a type of chemotherapy.
Combination of 2 drugs. Combination of 3 drugs. Advanced Cancer.
Define Chemotherapy - combination of 2 drugs.
Cisplatin + Fluorouracil (SFU). Cisplatin + Capecitabine (CX).
Define Chemotherapy - combination of 3 drugs.
Epirubicin + Cisplatin + Capecitabine (ECX). Epirubicin + Oxaliplatin + Capecitabine (EOX).
Define Chemotherapy - advanced cancer.
Trastuzumab (herceptin) - if HER2 protein expression. Epirubicin + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil (ECF).
State an example of a Chemotherapy drug.
Carboplatin (Paraplatin). Paclitaxel (Taxol).
Define an Ivor-Lewis Oesophago-gastrectomy.
Middle and lower third of oesophagus removed.