Oesophageal Cancer Flashcards
What type of cancer is oesophageal cancer?
Can be squamous or more commonly adenocarcinoma
Where is adenocarcinoma most likely?
Distal oesophagus
When does oesophageal cancer normally present?
Late
- Usually spread to lymph nodes +/- liver
What are the risk factors of oesophageal cancer?
Smoking
Alcohol
Diet
Obesity
Being a man
BARRETT’S OESOPHAGUS
What conditions are associated with oesophageal cancer?
Achalasia
Caustic strictures
What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
ALL :- Progressive dysphagia Chest pain Anorexia Odynophagia Haematemasis/haemoptysis
UPPER
- Hoarse voice
- Vocal chord paralysis
LOWER
- Tracheooesophageal fistula
What can a tracheooesophageal fistula lead to in oesophageal cancer?
Pneumonia
Investigations?
Endoscopic biopsy
STAGING
- CT
- Barium swallow
What curative treatment is there?
Oesophagectomy
- +/- neoadjuvant chemo
When can curative treatment be done?
Only performed if no mets/invasion and <70yrs
What palliative treatment is there?
Endoscopic stenting and laser
Chemo + radio
Nutritional support with dysphagia
What structures can be invaded by oesophageal cancer?
Heart
Trachea
Aorta
What staging method is used for OC?
TNM
What are the T stages?
T1 - invades lamina propria/submucos
T2 - Invades muscularis externa
T3 - invades adventitia
T4 - invades surrounding structures
