Digestive tractCancerICD-10 C15
Oesophageal cancer
Also called: Esophageal cancer
Cancer of the food pipe. Squamous cell carcinoma is linked to smoking and alcohol; adenocarcinoma to chronic reflux and Barrett's oesophagus.
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Causes
- Chronic injury to the oesophageal lining
Risk factors
- Smoking and alcohol
- Long-standing reflux and Barrett's oesophagus
- Obesity
- Very hot drinks
- Achalasia
Symptoms
- Progressive difficulty swallowing, first solids then liquids
- Weight loss
- Pain behind the breastbone
- Hoarseness
- Regurgitation
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Endoscopy and biopsy
- CT, PET-CT and endoscopic ultrasound for staging
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy
- Adjuvant nivolumab
- Definitive chemoradiotherapy for squamous cancer
Operations and procedures
- Oesophagectomy
- Endoscopic resection for very early disease and Barrett's dysplasia
- Stenting to relieve swallowing
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Nutritional support, sometimes via feeding tube
Possible complications
- Malnutrition
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Fistula to the airway
Prevention
- Not smoking, moderate alcohol
- Treat reflux; surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus
Outlook
Five-year survival around 20%; much better when detected early.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly for any new difficulty swallowing.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.