Oesophageal Cancer

Question 1

What are the 2 types of oesophageal cancer and which is most common?

Answer 1

Squamous cell carcinoma - >90% of cases
Adenocarcinoma

Question 2

Which part of the oesophagus does squamous cell carcinoma usually affect?

Answer 2

Upper or middle

Question 3

Which part of the oesophagus does adenocarcinoma usually affect?

Answer 3

Lower

Question 4

What is the hallmark feature of oesophageal cancer?

Answer 4

Dysphagia

Question 5

What are 2 major risk factors for SCC oesophageal cancer?

Answer 5

Smoking
Alcohol

Question 6

What are the risk factors for adenocarcinoma oesophageal cancer? (5)

Answer 6

○ Chronic reflux
○ Barrett’s oesophagus: 30-fold increase risk of AC
○ Smoking
○ Obesity
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: gastrin-secreting tumour leading to excess hydrochloric acid.

Question 7

When should a person be given a 2 ww referral for oesophageal cancer?

Answer 7

• Dysphagia, OR
• > 55 years with weight loss and one of the following:
○ Upper abdominal pain
○ Reflux
○ Dyspepsia

Question 8

What is used to diagnose oesophageal cancer?

Answer 8

Gastroscopy and biopsy