Oesophageal Cancer

• ​​An oesophageal cancer or tumor is an abnormal/ cancerous growth of cells that line the ‘gullet’, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. There are more than 600, 000 cases of oesophageal cancer diagnosed each year around the world. There are several types of oesophageal cancer but the two most common types include SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) and adenocarcinoma.

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• The correct diagnosis and staging (assessment of spread) for oesophageal cancer is very important. Patients may need to undergo any of the following:

  • Gastroscopy: allows visualisation of the oesophageal tumor, biopsy of the tumor and assessment of the tumor’s location in regards to the rest of the oesophagus and the stomach.

  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): an EUS is sometimes used to help in staging smaller tumors of the oesophagus.

  • CT scan: helps to assess cancer spread.

  • PET/CT scan: this can detect lesions in the body that may not be seen on other scans.

  • Laparoscopy: “key hole” procedure to look inside the belly.

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• The treatment pathway is individualised to each patient based on the patient’s wishes, fitness, general health and the type and stage of cancer. Treatment options may include any of the following:​

  • Endoscopic resection (early stage cancers)

  • Chemoradiotherapy

  • Minimally invasive and open surgery