Oesophageal Cancer Flashcards
What is the cell type(s) in oesophageal cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Where do squamous cell carcinomas occur
Occur in proximal and middle third of the oesophagus
What other conditions are associated with squamous cell carcinomas
Achalasia
Caustic strictures
Plummer vinson syndrome
What is Plummer Vinson syndrome
Plummer–Vinson syndrome is a rare disease characterized by difficulty swallowing, iron-deficiency anemia, glossitis, cheilosis and esophageal webs. Treatment with iron supplementation and mechanical widening of the esophagus generally provides an excellent outcome.
Where do Adenocarcinomas occur in the oesophagus
The distal oesophagus
What other conditions are associated with adenocarcinomas
Barretts Oesophagus
What are the presenting symptoms of oesophageal cancer
Progressive dysphagia
Anorexia and weight loss (75% cases)
Chest pain
Cough
What is the most common presenting symptom of oesophageal cancer
Progressive dysphagia (90% cases)
Why can oesophageal cancers spread into adjacent structures so easily (x2)
The oseophagus lacks a serosal layer
The lamina propria in the mucosal layer has a rich lymphatic supply so it can spread into lymph nodes easy
What are common metastatic sights of oesophageal cancer
Liver
Brain
Bone
Pulmonary
What investigations are used to diagnose oesophageal cancer
Endoscopy and Biopsy
What investigations are used to stage oesophageal cancer
CT
Ultrasound
PET
Bone scan
What classification method is used in the staging of oesophageal cancer
TNM staging
What are the treatment options used for oesophageal cancer
Surgical oesophagectomy with chemotherapy
What is the 5 year survival rate for oesophageal cancer
15%
