Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer, also known as esophageal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus, which is the tube-like structure that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

What is Oesophageal Cancer?

Oesophageal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the oesophagus grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are two main types of oesophageal cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer starts in the glandular cells of the oesophagus and is more common in Western countries.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer starts in the squamous cells of the oesophagus and is more common in Asian countries.

Symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer

The symptoms of oesophageal cancer may not appear until the disease has advanced. Common symptoms include:

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing): This is often the first symptom, and it can start with difficulty swallowing solid foods and progress to liquids.
• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can occur due to difficulty eating or a decrease in appetite.
• Pain when swallowing: Pain or discomfort while swallowing can be a symptom of oesophageal cancer.
• Regurgitation of food: Food may come back up into the mouth after being swallowed.
• Coughing or hoarseness: In rare cases, oesophageal cancer can cause coughing or hoarseness due to pressure on the trachea (windpipe) or larynx (voice box).
• Fatigue: Feeling weak or tired can be a symptom of advanced oesophageal cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors of Oesophageal Cancer

The exact cause of oesophageal cancer is not known, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

• Age: The risk of oesophageal cancer increases with age, and most cases occur in people over 60 years old.
• Smoking: Smoking tobacco products can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
• Diet: A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed meat may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): People with GERD are at increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus.
• Barrett's oesophagus: This is a condition in which the lining of the oesophagus changes, increasing the risk of adenocarcinoma.

Treatments for Oesophageal Cancer

Treatment for oesophageal cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. Common treatments include:

• Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor and part of the oesophagus is often the primary treatment for early-stage oesophageal cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells and can be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and can be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses medications that specifically target cancer cells and can be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Palliative care: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced oesophageal cancer.

Stages of Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer is typically staged using the TNM system, which takes into account:

• T (tumor size and extent): The size and extent of the primary tumor.
• N (lymph node involvement): Whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• M (metastasis): Whether cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

The stages of oesophageal cancer are:

• Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ): Cancer cells are only found in the lining of the oesophagus and have not invaded deeper tissues.
• Stage I: The tumor is small and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage II: The tumor is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to distant sites.
• Stage III: The tumor is large and has spread to nearby lymph nodes and possibly to distant sites.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is oesophageal cancer?
Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain, among others.

What are the main types of oesophageal cancer?
The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, with varying frequencies in different populations.

What are the risk factors for oesophageal cancer?
Risk factors include smoking, obesity, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.

How is oesophageal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests such as CT scans or PET scans.

What are the treatment options for oesophageal cancer?
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

Can oesophageal cancer be prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, reducing risk factors such as smoking and obesity may lower the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

What is the prognosis for oesophageal cancer?
Prognosis varies depending on the stage at diagnosis, with earlier stages having a better outlook than later stages.

Are there any supportive care options for oesophageal cancer patients?
Supportive care may include nutritional support, pain management, and psychological support to improve quality of life.

Is oesophageal cancer curable?
In some cases, especially if caught early, oesophageal cancer can be cured with treatment, but the likelihood of cure depends on various factors.