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Oesophageal cancer



NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

'I just wanted to know what could be done about it'

After discovering he had cancer of the oesophagus in 1998, keen marathon runner Clive Alexander had an oesophagogastrectomy. Six months after his operation he was able to go running again. 

“I was 63 when I first noticed symptoms. We had friends round for dinner and I swallowed a lump of bread and choked. After that, whenever I ate bread or meat I noticed it was really hard to get down. My GP gave me a large bottle of Gaviscon medicine for indigestion and wrote a referral for me to see a specialist.

“I saw the consultant in September 1998. He gave me an endoscopy and, when the results came back, told me I had oesophageal cancer. You don’t want to think the worst in these kinds of situations, but invariably you do. When I heard, I just wanted to know what could be done about it. 

“I had to have two more endoscopies, and I also had an ultrasound on my liver and a CT scan. The cancer had spread to my stomach but hadn’t gone further, so, in a way, I was lucky. I was referred for surgery and while I waited I carried on living as normal a life as possible. I continued working (I was a maintenance engineer, which is a very physical job involving lots of lifting) right up to my operation, and six weeks before the op I ran a half marathon.

“In December, I had an oesophagogastrectomy, an operation where the bottom of the oesophagus and half of the stomach are removed. The operation took eight and a half hours and the recovery period was meant to be two to three weeks, but because I was quite fit before surgery I was allowed home after 13 days.

“While I was in hospital I was fed semi-solid food through a tube that went straight into the small bowel. The tube was left in when I went home – just in case – and I had to clean it each day, which wasn’t that nice a job. 

“I do eat more normally now, but I still have to be careful. Because my stomach is half the size it used to be I can’t eat large quantities. Also, the valve at the top of the stomach is no longer there, which means that if I eat too much I don’t feel good. I feel very leaden and sleepy and get bad indigestion. I can go out for meals, but whereas I would once have had three courses with no problem, now I can only manage two. 

“You learn to cope. I eat small meals, more often. I eat when I’m hungry rather than having three meals a day, and I don’t like to eat after 5.30pm or 6pm in the evening. If I go out for a meal I have to stay up until midnight so that my food has had a chance to digest. I also have to sleep at a 45 degree angle; otherwise, you can wake up in the night feeling as if you’re choking.

“I went back to work four months after the operation (although I’m retired now) and I started running again six months after the operation. I was lucky because I was fit, but having something else to focus on also helped.”

Published Date
2014-07-14 11:40:12Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Oesophageal cancer


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

Causes of oesophageal cancer

Although the exact cause of oesophageal cancer is not known, certain factors are thought to increase the risk of it developing.

Cancer

Cancer begins with an alteration to the structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) found in all human cells. This is known as a genetic mutation. The DNA provides the cells with a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.

The mutation in the DNA changes these instructions so that cells carry on growing. This causes the cells to reproduce in an uncontrollable manner, producing a lump of tissue known as a tumour.

How cancer spreads

Most cancers grow and spread to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a series of glands (or nodes) located throughout your body in a similar way to your blood circulation system. The lymph glands produce many of the specialised cells needed by your immune system (the body’s natural defence against disease and infection).

Left untreated, oesophageal cancer spreads through the outer lining of the oesophagus and into nearby organs such as the liver, lungs or stomach.

Medical conditions

Several medical conditions are thought to increase your risk of oesophageal cancer. These include:

  • gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – see below
  • Barrett’s oesophagus – see below
  • achalasia – where your gullet loses the ability to move food along, leading to vomiting and acid reflux
  • Plummer Vinson syndrome – a rare condition which causes iron deficiency anaemia and small growths in the throat 
  • tylosis – a very rare, inherited skin condition

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

A valve known as a cardiac sphincter is located between your stomach and oesophagus. The valve usually only opens when food is ready to pass from your oesophagus into your stomach.

Sometimes the valve becomes weakened, or it relaxes at the wrong time. This condition is known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

If you have GORD, stomach acid is able to travel up into your oesophagus. When this happens it causes heartburn, a form of indigestion that causes pain in the front of your chest.

However, it should be stressed that the risk of developing oesophageal cancer from GORD is very small, and most people with GORD will not go on to develop cancer.

Barrett’s oesophagus

If you have chronic acid reflux it can sometimes lead to you developing another condition called Barrett’s oesophagus. Barrett’s oesophagus causes new cells that are very similar to stomach cells to develop in the lower oesophagus. These abnormal cells are resistant to stomach acid but are more likely to become malignant in the future.

Approximately one person out of 11 who has chronic acid reflux goes on to develop Barrett’s oesophagus. You are more at risk if you have had chronic acid reflux for a prolonged period of time. About one person in 860 with Barrett’s oesophagus develops cancer of the oesophagus.

Other risk factors

Exactly what causes oesophageal cancer to develop is uncertain. However, it appears that repeated and prolonged exposure of the lining of the oesophagus to toxic substances is a significant risk factor.

Risk factors may include:

  • regularly smoking and drinking alcohol
  • poor diet and obesity
  • exposure to chemicals and pollutants

These are explained in detail below.

Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of developing a number of illnesses and conditions, including cancer of the oesophagus. Long-term heavy drinking causes irritation and inflammation in the lining of the oesophagus. If the cells in the lining of your gullet become inflamed, they are more likely to become malignant (cancerous).

Read more information about alcohol and drinking, including tips on cutting down.

Smoking

Using any form of tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco) will increase your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus.

When you smoke tobacco you always swallow some of the smoke, which contains many harmful toxins and chemicals. These substances irritate the cells that make up the lining of the oesophagus, which increases the likelihood that they will become malignant.

The longer you smoke, the greater your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

Read more information about getting help to stop smoking.

Obesity

If you are severely overweight, your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus is approximately double compared with people with a healthy weight for their height. This may be because obese people are more at risk of developing Barrett’s oesophagus (see above).

Diet

A diet low in fruit and vegetables or lacking in vitamins A, C, B1 or zinc has been shown to increase the risk of cancer of the oesophagus. If you eat a healthy, balanced diet you will usually get enough vitamins and zinc in your diet naturally.

Cancer of the oesophagus is much more common in the Far East and Central Asia. It is thought that this may be partly due to the type of diet in these countries, which includes far fewer uncooked vegetables than the western diet. It may also be due to environmental factors.

Read more information about eating a healthy diet.

Chemicals and pollutants

Long-term exposure to chemicals and pollutants may irritate your oesophagus, particularly if you inhale these substances. Chemicals and pollutants known to increase the risk of oesophageal cancer include:

  • soot
  • metal dust
  • vehicle exhaust fumes
  • lye (a chemical found in strong industrial and household cleaners)
  • silica dust (which comes from materials such as sandstone, granite and slate)

If you have to work with these substances as part of your job, make sure you take all the necessary health and safety precautions. This should help to minimise your exposure to these potentially harmful substances.

Information and advice about health and safety at work can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.

Want to know more?

Published Date
2014-07-04 10:02:27Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Cancer and tumours,Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease,Gut,Healthy eating,Heartburn,Indigestion,Obesity,Oesophageal cancer,Oesophagus,Stomach cancer,Weight management


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

Diagnosing oesophageal cancer

If your GP suspects you have cancer of the oesophagus they will first take a detailed look at your medical history and carry out a physical examination.

They will then arrange for you to go to hospital to see a specialist for further tests.

The specialist will look for any signs of abnormalities, such as a lump in your abdomen, which may indicate a tumour. Before testing for oesophageal cancer they will carry out a physical examination, and may check your general health with blood tests and a chest X-ray.

Tests

The two most common tests used to diagnose oesophageal cancer are:

  • an oesophagoscopy – a type of endoscopy
  • a barium swallow – a type of X-ray

These are described in more detail below.

Endoscopy 

This is one of the first tests you will have to help confirm a diagnosis of cancer of the oesophagus.

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to see inside the body. During this procedure a thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope is passed through your mouth and down towards your stomach.

The endoscope has a light attached to the end and feeds back the images of your oesophagus to a monitor. This will allow your doctor to look for any signs of abnormal cells or tumours.

Before having an endoscopy you should avoid eating for several hours, as food can obstruct the view of the endoscope.

An endoscopy should not cause you any pain, although it may feel uncomfortable. Before the endoscopy takes place you will normally be given a local anaesthetic or sedative to help you relax and to help make the procedure less uncomfortable. The endoscopy itself will usually take about 15 minutes, although you should allow approximately two hours for your visit.

After an endoscopy you may notice that you have a sore throat, which will usually last for a few days. If your symptoms persist, see your GP. 

Barium swallow 

A barium swallow is a test that involves drinking a thick white liquid called barium. Once you have swallowed the barium you will undergo a series of X-rays.

The barium coats the lining of your oesophagus so that it shows up on the X-ray. These X-rays are able to show your doctor whether there is an obstruction in your oesophagus, which may be an indication of a tumour.

You may have to undergo this test if your cancer has already been diagnosed, as it will help your doctor to assess the size of your tumour.

A barium swallow usually takes about 15 minutes to perform. After the procedure you will be able to eat and drink as normal, although you may need to drink more water to help flush the barium out of your system.

Further tests

If the initial tests confirm a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer, further tests may be needed to see where the cancer is and if it has spread. These tests may include:

These are described in more detail below.

Computerised tomography (CT) scan 

A CT scan takes a series of X-ray images of your body and uses a computer to put them together. This then creates a very detailed picture of the inside of your body.

This will help your doctor assess how advanced your cancer is. It allows them to see whether the cancerous cells have formed tumours in any other places within the body. A CT scan will also allow your doctors to work out which type of treatment will be most effective and appropriate for you.

Endoscopic ultrasound 

Once cancer of the oesophagus has been diagnosed your doctor will need to assess how far the cancer has spread and how large the tumour has grown.

An endoscopic ultrasound will help your doctors assess how far your oesophageal cancer has progressed. It involves having a very small ultrasound probe passed into your oesophagus using an endoscope. This test produces sound waves that can penetrate the surrounding tissues.

These waves are then used to produce an image of your oesophagus so your doctor can see if the cancer has spread to the surrounding tissue.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy may be used to examine the area, depending on the location of the tumour. A sample of cells can be taken (biopsy) by using a special extracting instrument connected to the laparoscope.

A laparoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic, so it will require a short stay in hospital.

The biopsy will be examined underneath a microscope in a laboratory and the results will show whether the cells are malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). The results will normally take seven to 10 days to come back.

PET scan

A positive emission tomography (PET) scan can produce a detailed, three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. During a PET scan a substance known as a radiotracer is passed into your body. A radiotracer is a radioactive chemical that releases tiny particles called positrons.

A PET scan may be used to find out whether the cancer has spread. It may also be used for follow-up examinations after treatment to check for scar tissue or any remaining cancer cells.

Staging and grading oesophageal cancer

The above tests will help to determine what stage and grade your cancer is at. This can help doctors to decide what treatment you need, and the possibility of achieving a complete cure.

Read more detailed information about what cancer stages and grades mean.

Some doctors may prefer to describe the stages of cancer using the more complex TNM staging system. The three categories are used to create a more detailed classification:

  • T (tumour) the location and size of the tumour
  • N (nodes) whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
  • M (metastatic)  whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver or bone

Read more information about how oesophageal cancer is treated.

Want to know more?

Published Date
2014-07-04 10:02:43Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Cancer and tumours,CT scan,Endoscopy,Oesophageal cancer


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

Introduction

Cancer of the oesophagus, also known as oesophageal cancer, is an uncommon but serious type of cancer that affects the oesophagus (gullet).

The oesophagus is the medical name for the gullet, which is part of the digestive system. The oesophagus is the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The top part of the oesophagus lies behind the windpipe (trachea). The bottom part runs down through the chest between the spine and the heart.

Symptoms of oesophageal cancer include:

  • difficulties swallowing (dysphagia)
  • weight loss
  • throat pain
  • persistent cough

See your GP if you have any of these symptoms. They don’t necessarily mean that you have oesophageal cancer, but they will need to be investigated.

Your GP will take a detailed look at your medical history before carrying out a physical examination to check for any signs of abnormalities, such as a lump in your abdomen that may indicate a tumour.

If your GP still suspects oesophageal cancer you will be referred for further tests. Read more information about how oesophageal cancer is diagnosed.

Types of oesophageal cancer

There are two main types of oesophageal cancer:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma forms in the upper part of the oesophagus. It occurs when cells on the inside lining of the oesophagus multiply abnormally.
  • Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus forms in the lower part of the oesophagus. It occurs when cells inside the mucous glands that line the oesophagus multiply abnormally. The mucous glands produce a slimy substance to help food slide down the oesophagus more easily.

How common is oesophageal cancer?

Oesophageal cancer is uncommon, but it is not rare. It is the ninth most common type of cancer in the UK, with more than 8,500 new cases diagnosed each year.

Oesophageal cancer most commonly affects people over the age of 60, with the average age at diagnosis being 72. The condition is more common in men than in women.

Smoking and drinking alcohol are two of the biggest risk factors for oesophageal cancer, particularly if both activities are combined. People who drink heavily but do not smoke are four times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer than non-drinkers, and people who smoke and do not drink alcohol are twice as likely to develop oesophageal cancer.

However, people who smoke and drink heavily (more than 30 units a week) are eight times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer than those who do not smoke or drink.

Read more information about the causes of oesophageal cancer and preventing oesophageal cancer.

Treating oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer does not usually cause any noticeable symptoms until the cancer has spread beyond the oesophagus and into nearby tissue. For this reason it can be more difficult to cure compared with other types of cancer.

On average, 40% of people with oesophageal cancer will live for one year after the diagnosis, and 13% will live for five years after the diagnosis. The outlook can improve greatly if the cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, or where a cure is possible.

Attempting to cure oesophageal cancer involves having a course of chemotherapy (and radiotherapy as well in some cases) followed by surgery to remove the cancerous section of the oesophagus.

If a cure is not achievable, it is usually still possible to relieve symptoms and slow the spread of the cancer using a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Read more information about how oesophageal cancer is treated.

Help and support

A diagnosis of cancer is a tough challenge for most people. There are a number of ways you can find support to help you cope, although not all of them work for everybody.

Read about living with oesophageal cancer for more information on getting help with:

  • recovery and follow-up
  • your relationships with others
  • talking to other people who have oesophageal cancer
  • money and financial support
  • free prescriptions
  • palliative care

If you are caring for someone with cancer, you can find out more about looking after yourself on Carers Direct, including advice on how to get time off.

Published Date
2014-07-04 10:01:57Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Cancer and tumours,Oesophageal cancer,Oesophagus


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

Living with oesophageal cancer

A diagnosis of cancer is a tough challenge for most people and their families. There are a number of ways you can find support to help you cope with both the physical and emotional aspects.

Support

Different things will work for different people, but some people may find it helpful to:

  • make sure you keep talking to your friends and family  they can be a powerful source of support
  • communicate with others in the same situation
  • find out more about your condition
  • set reasonable goals
  • take time out for yourself

It is not always easy to talk about cancer, either for you or your family and friends. You may sense some people feel awkward around you or avoid you. Being open about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to help may put them at ease. But do not feel shy about telling them you need time to yourself, if that is what you want.

If you have questions, your GP or nurse may be able to reassure you. You may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or psychologist, or to someone at a specialist helpline. Your GP surgery will have information on these. Some people find it helpful to talk to others who have oesophageal cancer, either at a local support group or in an internet chatroom.

Want to know more?

Work

Having oesophageal cancer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to give up work, but you may need quite a lot of time off. During your treatment you may not be able to carry on completely as before.

If you have cancer you’re covered by the Equality Act. This means your employer is not allowed to discriminate against you because of your illness. They have a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you cope. Examples of these include:

  • allowing you time off for treatment and medical appointments
  • allowing flexibility with working hours, the tasks you have to perform, or your working environment

The definition of what is ‘reasonable’ depends on the situation – for example, how much it would affect your employer’s business.

It will help if you give your employer as much information as possible about how much time you will need off and when. Talk to your human resources department if you have one. Your union or staff association representative should also be able to give you advice.

If you’re having difficulties with your employer, your union or your local Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.

Want to know more?

Money and benefits

You may find it hard to cope financially if you have to reduce or stop working because of your cancer. If you have cancer, or if you’re caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to financial support.

  • If you have a job but can’t work because of your illness, you’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
  • If you don’t have a job and can’t work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
  • If you’re caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
  • You may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or have a low household income.

It’s a good idea to find out early on what help is available. You can ask to speak to the social worker at your hospital, who will be able give you the information you need.

Free prescriptions

People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply for an exemption certificate giving free prescriptions for all medication, including prescriptions for unrelated conditions.

The certificate is valid for five years. You can apply for a certificate by speaking to your GP or cancer specialist.

Want to know more?

Recovery

Most people with oesophageal cancer have an operation as part of their treatment. Getting back to normal after surgery can take time. After having oesophageal surgery it will be a few days before you are able to eat or drink. To begin with, fluids will be given to you through a drip inserted into a vein in your arm. You may also be allowed the occasional sip of water. It is important that you do not eat or drink immediately after having surgery so that your oesophagus has time to recover.

You will be able to start consuming soft foods and liquids gradually before eventually being able to eat and drink normally, as you did before the operation.

Following surgery you may find you lose some weight. This is normal and you should regain the lost weight once you are able to eat solid foods again.

Read more information about having an operation.

Other treatments, particularly radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can make you very tired. You may need a break from some of your normal activities for a while. Do not be afraid to ask for practical help from family and friends.

Follow-up

After your treatment has finished you will be invited for regular check-ups, usually every three months for the first year. During the check-up your doctor will examine you, and may do blood tests and a chest X-ray to see how your cancer is responding to treatment.

Want to know more?

Palliative care

If you are told there is nothing more that can be done to treat your oesophageal cancer, your GP will still provide you with support and pain relief. This is called palliative care. Support is also available for your family and friends.

Want to know more?

Caring for someone with cancer

Being a carer is not an easy role. Responding to the needs of others can sap your emotional and physical energy, and make it easy for you to forget your own health and mental wellbeing.

Research shows that the health of many carers is affected by their caring role. If you are trying to combine caring with a paid job or looking after a family, this can cause even more stress.

However, putting yourself last on the list does not work in the long-term. If you are caring for someone else, it is important to look after yourself and get as much help as possible. It is in your best interests, as well as those of the person you are caring for.

You can find out more about looking after yourself on Carers Direct, including advice on how to get time off.

Published Date
2014-07-04 10:03:27Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Cancer and tumours,Marie Curie,Oesophageal cancer,Relationships


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

Preventing oesophageal cancer

Certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of getting oesophageal cancer.

Give up smoking

As well as being a significant risk factor for oesophageal cancer, smoking is also a major contributor to many serious diseases such as heart disease and lung cancer, and is the biggest cause of death and illness in the UK.

If you decide to stop smoking, your GP can refer you to an NHS Stop Smoking Service, which will provide dedicated help and advice about the best ways to give up smoking. You can also call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1014. The specially trained helpline staff offer free expert advice and encouragement.

If you are committed to giving up smoking but do not want to be referred to a stop smoking service, your GP should be able to prescribe medical treatment to help with any withdrawal symptoms you may experience after quitting.

Read more information about getting help to stop smoking.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another significant risk factor for oesophageal cancer, as well as for other serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke and liver disease.

The maximum recommended daily limits of alcohol consumption are:

  • 3-4 units of alcohol for men
  • 2-3 units for women

A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.

Read more information about alcohol and drinking, including tips on cutting down.

Lose weight

If you need to lose excess weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help. If you are very overweight or obese, losing weight will help lower your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus.

The most successful weight loss programmes include at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as cycling or fast walking) every week, eating smaller portions and only having healthy snacks between meals. A gradual weight loss of around 0.5kg (1.1lb) a week is usually recommended.

Read more about obesity and losing weight.

A low fat, high fibre diet that includes whole grains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) is recommended.

Read more information about healthy eating.

Published Date
2014-07-04 10:03:11Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Healthy eating,Lung cancer,Oesophageal cancer,Safe drinking,Stopping smoking,Weight loss,Weight management


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

See what the doctor sees with Map of Medicine

The Map of Medicine is used by doctors throughout the NHS to determine the best treatment options for their patients. NHS Choices offers everyone in England exclusive and free access to this cutting-edge internet resource, which lets you see exactly what your doctor sees.

The information in the Map has been approved by the UK’s leading clinical experts, is based on the best available clinical evidence, and is continually updated. To take advantage of this unique resource go to:

Map of Medicine: upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer

 

Published Date
2011-09-11 15:41:23Z
Last Review Date
2010-04-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2012-04-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Oesophageal cancer


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

Symptoms of oesophageal cancer

When oesophageal cancer first develops it rarely causes any symptoms as the tumour is very small. It is only when the cancer starts to become larger and more advanced that symptoms start to develop.

Difficulty swallowing

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is the most common symptom of oesophageal cancer.

As the tumour narrows your oesophagus it becomes more difficult for food to pass down. There may be pain or a burning sensation when you swallow (odynophagia), or it can feel as if food is getting stuck.

You may find you have to chew your food more thoroughly, or you can only eat soft foods. If the tumour continues to grow even liquids may be difficult to swallow.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of oesophageal cancer include:

  • weight loss – which could be caused by difficulties swallowing, the cancer’s harmful effects on your body or a combination of both
  • persistent indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • pain or discomfort in your chest or your back, usually between the shoulder blades
  • hoarseness
  • persistent cough
  • vomiting
  • coughing blood

When to seek medical advice

You should contact your GP if you experience any swallowing difficulties, or any other unusual or persistent symptoms.

Your symptoms are unlikely to be related to oesophageal cancer but it is important to get them checked out.

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Published Date
2014-07-04 10:02:10Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Oesophageal cancer


NHS Choices Syndication

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Oesophageal cancer

Treating oesophageal cancer

Treatment options for oesophageal cancer depend on what stage the cancer is at, but may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Cancer treatment team

Many clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have multidisciplinary teams that treat oesophageal cancer. If you have oesophageal cancer you may see several specialists as part of your treatment, including:

  • surgical oncologists (specialists in the surgical treatment of cancer)
  • clinical oncologists (specialists in the non-surgical treatment of cancer)
  • pathologists (specialists in diseased tissue)
  • radiologists (specialists in radiotherapy)
  • social workers
  • psychologists
  • specialist cancer nurses, who will usually be your first point of contact

Deciding which treatment is best for you can be difficult. Your cancer team will make recommendations but the final decision will be yours.

Before going to hospital to discuss your treatment options you may find it useful to write a list of questions to ask the specialist. For example, you may want to find out the advantages and disadvantages of particular treatments.

Your treatment plan

Your recommended treatment plan will depend on what stage your cancer is at.

  • Stage 1 to 3 oesophageal cancer is usually treated with a type of surgery known as an oesophagectomy (removing the section of oesophagus containing the tumour). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually given before surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Very early-stage oesophageal cancer may be treated with an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
  • In cases of stage 4 oesophageal cancer, the cancer has usually spread too far for a cure to be possible. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be used to slow down the spread of the cancer and to relieve symptoms.

These treatments are described in more detail below.

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Surgery

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)

If your oesophageal cancer is at a very early stage, or you have Barrett’s oesophagus, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) may be an option instead of an oesophagectomy.

EMR involves a throat endoscopy and injection of fluid below the tumour. This raises the tumour up and it can be removed with a thin wire.

You may need further treatment after an EMR to ensure the cancer is gone. This can include:

  • radiofrequency ablation – radiowaves are used to destroy any remaining cancerous cells
  • photodynamic therapy – light-sensitive drugs and low-powered lasers are used to destroy any remaining cancerous cells

Oesophagectomy

During an oesophagectomy your surgeon will remove the section of your oesophagus that contains the tumour and, if necessary, the nearby lymph nodes. The remaining section of your oesophagus will then be reconnected to your stomach.

To access your oesophagus your surgeon will either need to make an incision (cut) into your abdomen and chest, or into your abdomen and neck.

Self-expanding stents

Self-expanding stents are another method of relieving the symptoms of dysphagia. The treatment involves placing a small metal tube into your oesophagus. The stent expands to hold open your oesophagus, which helps to make swallowing easier.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer medicines to either kill the malignant (cancerous) cells in your body or stop them multiplying. Chemotherapy medicines can be injected or given to you orally (by mouth).

As well as attacking cancerous cells, chemotherapy can also attack normal, healthy cells in your body, which is why this form of treatment has many potential side effects.

The most common side effects of chemotherapy include:

  • vomiting
  • hair loss
  • nausea
  • mouth sores
  • fatigue

These side effects are usually temporary and you should find they improve on completion of your treatment. 

Chemotherapy treatment is often used alongside surgery and radiotherapy (see below) to help make sure as much of the cancer as possible is treated.

Read more about how chemotherapy is performed.

External radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a form of cancer therapy that uses high energy beams of radiation to help shrink your tumour and relieve pain.

Radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer should make it easier for you to swallow because the radiation shrinks the tumour and therefore makes it less obstructive.

The side effects of radiotherapy include:

  • fatigue
  • skin rashes
  • loss of appetite
  • sores in your oesophagus

These side effects are usually temporary and you should find that they improve once you have completed your treatment. 

As with chemotherapy, radiotherapy is often used alongside surgery to help make the tumour easier to remove.

Read more about how radiotherapy is performed.

Internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy)

In some cases, radiotherapy may need to be delivered from inside the body, rather than from an outside source. This is known as brachytherapy.

Brachytherapy is usually used to control the symptoms of oesophageal cancer, rather than cure it completely.

Brachytherapy for oesophageal cancer may be performed in two ways, by using either:

  • a nasogastric tube – a thin tube that goes up your nose and down the throat into the stomach
  • an endoscopy – a thin tube with a light and a camera that goes down your throat

Once the source of the radiotherapy is placed, it is left there for a period of time. This can range from a few hours to a few days depending on the treatment you require.

Nutritional support

If your dysphagia symptoms are severe you may find it difficult to eat and drink in the normal way, which could place you at risk of malnutrition and dehydration.

Another problem that can occur is a tracheoesophageal fistula. This is when the cancer creates a hole between your oesophagus and your windpipe (trachea). This may cause you to cough and gag, particularly when you try to swallow.

While surgery can be used to treat a tracheoesophageal fistula and relieve the symptoms of dysphagia, you may need to use different ways of receiving the nutrients your body needs while you are waiting for surgery.

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is often used to provide your body with the nutrients it needs. A PEG is a tube placed directly into your stomach surgically. It passes through a small incision on the surface of your abdomen (tummy).

Read about how dysphagia is treated for more information about PEG tubes.

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Published Date
2014-07-04 10:02:56Z
Last Review Date
2014-06-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-06-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Alopecia,Cancer and tumours,Cancer specialists,Chemotherapy,Clinical trials and medical research,Oesophageal cancer,Oesophageal surgery,Oesophagus,Photodynamic therapy,Radiotherapy,Stomach cancer,Surgery

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