Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer is an abnormal growth of malignant cells in the oesophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is the eighth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer death. Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endoscopic therapy, and palliative care. Risk factors for developing oesophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol use, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. People with a family history of oesophageal cancer are also more likely to develop the disease. Early signs of oesophageal cancer may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, and persistent heartburn. Other symptoms include anaemia, fatigue, and coughing up blood. Diagnosis of oesophageal cancer may involve an endoscopy, imaging tests, and/or a biopsy. Treatment for oesophageal cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and endoscopic therapy. Surgery is usually used to remove the tumor or any affected tissue.