Oesophageal carcinoma Flashcards
Name four risk factors for oesophageal carcinoma
smoking, alcohol, diet, barrett’s oesophagus, achalasia
What type of diet is conducive towards risk of cancer?
low in fruits and veg + vitamins + minerals, high in processed meats
How does oesophageal carcinoma present?
progressive dysphagia, weight loss, upper GI bleed, cervical lymphadenopathy, metastatic disease
What are the investigations for oesophageal carcinoma?
upper GI endoscopy + biopsy
staging: CT, US
What are the two cell types of oesophageal carcinoma?
adenocarcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
What is the prognosis like for this cancer?
overall 5 year survival is poor
most patients inoperable by time of diagnosis
Discuss three signs/symptoms of oesophageal carcinoma
- Progressive dysphagia
- Weight loss
- Retrosternal chest pain
- Lymphadenopathy
- Hoarseness, cough
What percentage of patients have mets at diagnosis of oesophageal Ca?
75%!!!!
Are most oesophageal carcinomas operable?
no…only 25-30%. Very poor prognosis
Two benign tumours of the oesophagus?
lipoma
haemangioma
benign polyp
