Oesophageal cancer Flashcards
What are the 2 main histological types of oesophageal cancer?
Squamous carcinoma & Adenocarcinoma (more common)
Describe the differences between Adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma of the oesophagus
Squamous carcinoma:
- Proximal & middle 1/3rd of the oesophagus
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Low socioeconomic status
Adenocarcinoma:
- Distal 1/3rd
- Obesity
- Develops from Barrett’s oesophagus
What are the main symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
Indigestion/heartburn/reflux
Persistent hiccups
Difficulty swallowing
Persistent belching/burping
Weight loss
Pain between the shoulder blades
How would you investigate suspected oesophageal cancer?
Endoscopy - provides histological proof of cancer
Barium swallow
Once confirmed, how is oesophageal cancer staged?
CT chest/abdomen
*if unfit for surgery then discontinue*
EUS (T/N staging)
PET CT (M staging)
If a patient is unfit for surgery or the cancer has metastasised - how are they managed?
Stenting
Palliative chemotherapy
Palliative radiotherapy
How is oesophageal cancer treated?
Oesophagectomy + Chemotherapy
