Cancer of the oesophagus

• squamous cell carcinoma (commonest – top )
• adenocarcinoma- bottom

Demographics

• Mainly seen in older male patients that smoke, are obese and have a history of GORD / Barrettes oesophagus

Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Male sex
• Older age (50–60 years)
• Gastroesophageous reflux and Barrett oesophagus → specifically for adenocarcinoma

Clinical Features

Early stages

• Often asymptomatic
• May manifest with swallowing difficulties or retrosternal discomfort
• Hiccoughs may be an early indication