Oesophageal Cancer Flashcards
How common is oesophageal cancer in the UK, compared to other cancers?
It is the 9th most common cancer in the UK
Describe the age distribution of oesophageal cancer
There are very few cases below the age of 45, and the incidence increases eightfold between 45-54, and 65-74 years
Describe the gender distribution of oesophageal cancer
It has a sevenfold higher incidence in men than women
How much more common is oesophageal cancer in China compared to the UK?
20-30 times more common
What are the most common histological types of oesophageal cancers?
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
What proportion of oesophageal cancers are adenocarcinomas?
1/3
Where are adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus found?
They are mostly found in the distal oesophagus
What proportion of oesophageal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas?
2/3
What % of oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas are found in the upper oesophagus?
15%
What % of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma are found in the mid-oesophagus?
45%
What % of oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas are found in the lower oesophagus?
40%
What is squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus associated with?
Chronic irritation
What can cause chronic irritation of the oesophagus?
- Alcohol
- Caustic injury
- Radiotherapy
- Achalasia
What other conditions are associated with squamous cell cancers of the oesophagus?
- Plummer-Vinson syndrome
- Chronic iron deficiency
- Dysphagia
What are the features of Plummer-Vinson syndrome?
- Sideroblastic anaemia
- Glossitis
- Oesophagitis
In which population in particular do other conditions cause squamous cell cancers of the oesophagus?
Impoverished populations
What genetic trait carries an increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas of the oesophagus?
Hereditary tylosis
What is the inheritance pattern of hereditary tylosis?
Autosomal dominant
What does hereditary tylosis cause?
Palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis
What risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus does hereditary tylosis carry?
95% risk by the age of 70
What is adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus associated with?
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Hiatus hernia
- Obesity
- Frequent antacid or histamine H2 receptor blocker use
What % of patients with reflux does Barrett’s oesophagus develop in?
8%
What does Barrett’s oesophagus lead to?
Metaplasia of the normal squamous epithelium of the lower oesophagus to columnar epithelium, which may be dysplastic
What is the annual transformation of Barrett’s oesophagus to adenocarcinoma?
0.5%
What shift has there been in oesophageal cancer in recent years?
From squamous to adenocarcinoma
What does the shift from squamous to adenocarcinoma oesophageal cancers perhaps reflect?
Changing patterns of smoking, obesity, and nutrition of patients
What are the rare types of oesophageal cancer?
- Small cell carcinoma
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- Sarcoma
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Primary lymphoma
What is the most common presenting complaint of oesophageal cancer?
Dysphagia
What might dysphagia be associated with in oesophageal cancer?
- Weight loss
- Haematemesis
What are the features of the dysphagia in oesophageal cancer?
- Can deteriorate rapidly over a period of weeks to months
- Typically progressive in nature
- Worse for solids than liquids
What are the other symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
- Dyspepsia
- Dyspnoea
- Odynophagia
- Iron deficiency anaemia
What level of weight loss is associated with a worse outcome in oesophageal cancer?
> 10% total body weight
What can be caused by invasion of oesophageal cancer into adjacent anatomical structures?
Oesophageal fistula
What can be caused by an oesophageal fistula?
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Aspiration pneumonia
What are common features of oesophageal cancer that is advanced at presentation?
- Left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy (Virchow’s node)
- Hepatomegaly
- Pleural effusion
What might happen if an oesophageal tumour invades the thoracic aorta?
Rapid exsanguination
Is involvement of the pericardium common in oesophageal cancer?
No, it is uncommon
What can involvement of the pericardium cause in oesophageal cancer?
- Arrhythmias
- Pericardial effusion
What might hoarseness be a sign of in oesophageal cancer?
Phrenic nerve involvement
What might hiccups be a sign of in oesophageal cancer?
Phrenic nerve involvement
How can bone involvement in oesophageal cancer be identified?
- Pain
- Hypercalcaemia
What should be looked for on examination of the face in oesophageal cancer?
- Conjunctival pallor
- Jaundice
- Glossitis
What may glossitis be a sign of in oesophageal cancer?
Plummer-Vinson syndrome
What lymph nodes should be assessed in oesophageal cancer?
- Neck (cervical)
- Supraclavicular (Virchow’s)
- Axillary