Oesophageal Cancer

Question 1

Oesophageal Cancer more common in?

Answer 1

Men 5:1

Question 2

Oesophageal Cancer Median Age?

Answer 2

65yrs

Question 3

Oesophageal Cancer metastasis sites (6)

Answer 3

Bone
Brain
Blood
Liver
Lungs
Lymphatics

Question 4

5 yr Prognosis

Answer 4

< 10%

Question 5

Oesophageal Cancer:

Two cancer cell types

Answer 5

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Adenocarcinoma

Question 6

Site - Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Answer 6

occurs in proximal and middle third of oesophagus

Question 7

Site - Adenocarcinoma

Answer 7

occurs in distal oesophagus

Question 8

Risk Factors of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Answer 8

Smoking
Alcohol
Dietary Carcinogens. (Achalasia increases risk)

Question 9

Risk Factors of Adenocarcinoma

Answer 9

Obesity
Barrett’s Metaplasia
(more common)

Question 10

Other Risk factors of Oesophageal Cancer: (PH)

Answer 10

Patients may have a history of:
GORD
Barrett's Oesophagus
Excessive Smoking
Excessive Alcohol

Question 11

Oesophageal Cancer Sites = %

Answer 11

20% occur in upper part
50% occur in the middle
30% occur in the lower part.

Question 12

Local effects of Oesophageal Cancer

Answer 12

Ulceration
Perforation
Obstruction

Question 13

Symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer

Answer 13

Dysphagia (difficult to swallow) (in 90%) 
Weight Loss  (in 75%)                                   
Chest Pain, Cough
Odynophagia
Anorexia (in 75%)
Haematemesis
Vocal Cord Palsy
(If it is in the upper third, then they 
usually present with a cough 
and voice hoarseness).

Question 14

Oesophageal Cancer Investigation:

Answer 14

Oesophagoscopy with biopsy (diagnostic)

Question 15

Oesophageal Cancer Treatment:

Answer 15

Chemotherapy 
Radiotherapy
Adjuvant Therapy
Neo-adjuvant Therapy
Oesophagectomy
Nutritional Support
Palliative.