Oesophageal cancer Flashcards
What are the 2 types of oesophageal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma
Where in the oesophagus may an adenocarcinoma affect?
Lower 2/3 of oesophagus
What is an oesophageal adenocarcinoma associated with?
Barrett’s oesophagus
Where in the oesophagus may a squamous cell carcinoma affect?
Upper 2/3 oesophagus
What can cause an oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma?
Smoking and alochol
Does oesophageal mostly present at early or late stage?
Late stage
What acronym can help to remember the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
ALARMS
What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
Think ALARMS:
Anaemia
Loss of weight
Anorexic
Recent sudden worsening of symptoms
Melaena/ Haematemesis
Swallowing progressive difficulty
What is a differential diagnosis for oesophageal cancer when the swallowing difficult is non-progressive?
Achalasia
When muscles in lower part of oesophagus fail to relax
How is oesophageal cancer diagnosed?
OGD (OesophagoGastroDuodenoscopy) with barium swallow and biopsy
CT/PET for staging
What is treatment for oesophageal cancer?
If medically fit:
Chemo/radiotherapy and surgery
If not fit:
palliative care
What 3 drugs are involved in ECF chemotherapy for oesophageal or gastric carcinomas?
Epirubicin
Cisplatin
Fluorouracil
