Oesophageal cancer Flashcards
1
Q
Define
A
DEFINITION: malignant tumour arising in the oesophagus. There are TWO major histological types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
2
Q
Causes/ risk factors
A
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Alcohol
- Tumour
- Plummer-Vinson syndrome
- Achalasia
- Scleroderma
- Coeliac disease
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dietary toxins (e.g. nitrosamines)
Adenocarcinoma
- GORD
- Barrett’s oesophagus
3
Q
Epidemiology
A
8th most common cancer
3 x more common in MALES
Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Adenocarcinoma is more prevalent in the WESTERN WORLD
4
Q
Symptoms
A
Often ASYMPTOMATIC
- Progressive dysphagia (initially worse for solids)
- Regurgitation
- Cough
- Choking after food
- Voice hoarseness
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- Weight loss
- Fatigue (due to iron deficiency anaemia)
5
Q
Signs
A
There may be NO SIGNS
Metastatic disease may cause:
- Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy
- Hepatomegaly
- Hoarseness
- Signs of bronchopulmonary involvement
6
Q
Investigations
A
Endoscopy - brushings and biopsy
Imaging - barium swallow and CXR
Staging - CT chest and abdomen
Other - bronchoscopy, lung function tests and ABGs
