Oesophagus is a food pipe that connect the mouth to the stomach. Oesophageal cancer develops within this tube

Risk Factors

• Heavy alcohol intake
• Smoking / tobacco
• Taking very hot beverages
• Chronic reflux (GERD)
• Eating less fruit and vegetables
• Obesity
• Barret-Oesophagus

Signs and symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Weight loss
• Regurgitation / vomiting
• Heart burn
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness / coughing

Diagnosis

The following tests are used to diagnose and stage oesophageal cancer

• Endoscopy (OGD) and biopsy
• CTSCAN
• Endoscopic ultra-sound

Treatment

• Treatment of oesophageal cancer is guided by the stage and the fitness of the patient.
• Very early stage( 0 & 1) endoscopic removal (resection) is recommended.
• Advanced stage (stage 3 & 4) are treated by endoscopic stent, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• Palliative care – Supportive care is needed for people with advanced cancer.
• Multimodal-treatment may be needed for certain patients with oesophageal cancer.