Oesophageal Cancer Flashcards
What are the two types of Oesophageal Cancer?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
General presentation of oesophageal cancer?
Asymptomatic Feeling of lump in throat Dysphagia Progressive Dysphagia Weight Loss Anorexia Palpable Virchow's Node
Investigations for Oesophageal cancer?
Endoscopy
Barium Swallow - Rarely done, only if endoscopy is not tolerated
Treatment
Surgery (Low Grade Tumours only)
Palliative
- Stenting to allow swallowing
- Intubation to allow adequate nutrition
Prognosis?
5 Year survival is 5-9%
Most patients die from aspiration pneumonia or fistula
Describe epidemiology of Squamous Cell Cancer
Most common in Asia and Middle East
More common in males
Presents in 60-70 year olds
Aetiology of Squamous Cell Cancer
Vitamin A,C, Iron and Zinc Deficiencies Smoking Chewing Tobacco Alcohol HPV Oesophagitis
Where does Squamous Cell Carcinoma present?
Upper 2/3rds of Oesophagus
Describe epidemiology of Adenocarcinoma?
More common than Squamous cell Carcinoma
Incidence is rising due to rising oesit
Most common presentation is white, middle aged males
Aetiology of Adenocarcinoma?
Barrett's Oesophagus Obesity Age Male Alcohol Smoking
Presentation?
Most commonly seen in lower 1/3rd of oesophagus
Strong association with Barrett’s
Describe how Barrett’s progresses to adenocarcinoma?
Barrett’s –> Mild Dyplasia –> Severe Dysplasia –> Adenocarcinoma
