Oesophageal Cancer
Understanding Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer arises in the lining of the oesophagus and is commonly associated with risk factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Barrett’s oesophagus. Symptoms often include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chest pain, and persistent cough. Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer type and stage.

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chronic cough or hoarseness
  • Chronic acid reflux (GORD)
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption – Linked to higher cancer rates
  • Obesity and lack of exercise – Raises overall cancer risk
  • Endoscopy – Examines the oesophagus, stomach, first part of the small bowel
  • Biopsy – Confirms cancer
  • Imaging – CT or PET scans help determine the stage

Early-Stage Disease

  • Surgery (oesophagectomy or endoscopic resection) – Standard treatment for localised tumours.
  • Chemotherapy – Often given before and after surgery to shrink the tumour and reduce risk of recurrence
  • Chemoradiotherapy – May be given before surgery to shrink the tumour and reduce risk of recurrence

Metastatic Disease

  • Systemic Treatments:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Immunotherapy (in select cases)
  • Radiation – Often to help pain or specific symptoms
  • Clinical Trials – Investigating novel targeted agents, immunotherapies, and combination treatments.