Esophageal Cancer

Question 1

Why do esophageal and pancreatic cancers spread so rapidly compared to other GI cancers?

Answer 1

They are not covered by a serosa

Question 2

What cellular changes occur in Barrett Esophagus?

Answer 2

Columnar epithelium replaces squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus.

Question 3

What are 5 pre-disposing factors that can lead to squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus?

Answer 3

1. Achalasia
2. Celiac Sprue
3. Lye Stricture
4. Head and Neck Cancer
5. Plummer Vinson syndrome

(general rule: anything that leads to chronic inflammation in the GI tract can lead to cancer)

Question 4

What pre-disposing factor can lead to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus?

Answer 4

Barrett Esophagus

Question 5

Are men or women more prone to esophageal cancer?

Answer 5

Men

Question 6

What population is more prone to squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus? Adenocarcinoma?

Answer 6

African Americans

Whites

Question 7

What is the only hope to cure a GI cancer?

Answer 7

Surgery

radiation and chemo tend to work on fast-growing tumors and most GI tumors are slow-growing