Oesophageal cancer Flashcards
Define oesophageal cancer
Malignant tumour arising in the oesophagus
2 main types of oesophageal cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Risk factors for oesophageal cancer - squamous cell carcinoma
(8)
Alcohol Tumour Plummer-Vinson syndrome Achalasia Scleroderma Coeliac disease Nutritional deficiencies Dietary toxins
Risk factors for oesophageal cancer - adenocarcinoma
2
GORD
Barrett’s oesophagus
Epidemiology of oesophageal cancer
prevalence, gender, geography
8th most common cancer
3x more common in MALES
Squamous cell carcinomas more common in developing countries
Adenocarcinomas more prevalent in western world
Presenting symptoms of oesophageal cancer
general + 8
Often ASYMPTOMATIC
Progressive dysphagia Regurgitation Cough Choking after food Voice hoarseness Odynophagia Weight loss Fatigue
Signs of oesophageal cancer on physical examination
general + 4 metastatic
May be NO SIGNS
Metastatic disease may cause: Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy Hepatomegaly Hoarseness Signs of bronchopulmonary involvement
Branches of investigation for oesophageal cancer
4
Endoscopy
Imaging
Staging
Other
Investigation for oesophageal cancer - endoscopy
2
Brushings
Biopsy
Investigation for oesophageal cancer - imaging
2
Barium swallow
CXR
Investigation for oesophageal cancer - staging
2
CT chest
CT abdo
Investigation for oesophageal cancer - other
3
Bronchoscopy
Lung function tests
ABGs
