What is oesophageal cancer?
Oesophageal cancer is cancer that begins in any part of the oesophagus (lower, middle or upper).
There are two main types:
- Oesophageal adenocarcinoma – starts in the mucus glands of the oesophagus. It usually develops in the lower part of the oesophagusat the junction with the stomach
- Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma – starts in the inner lining of the oesophagus. It often develops in the upper and middle part of the oesophagus
Causes of oesophageal cancer
It isn’t clear what causes oesophageal cancer. But some things can increase your risk. These include:
- A high-fat diet low in fruit and vegetables
- Being exposed to certain chemicals over a long period
- Being overweight or obese
- Having another oesophagus condition such as Barrett’s oesophagus which usually causes lower oesophageal cancer
- Heavy drinking
- Smoking
Symptoms of oesophageal cancer
It can be difficult to spot the first signs of oesophageal cancer. They may include:
Feeling tired, or shortness of breath
Indigestion or heart burn that doesn't go away
Nausea and vomiting related to eating
Pain or difficulty swallowing
Unexplained weight loss and losing your appetite
Having these symptoms doesn’t mean you have oesophageal cancer, but it’s best to get them checked by a doctor. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances of treating it successfully.
Tests and diagnosis
After discussing your symptoms, your doctor will usually examine your abdomen. They may look for small swellings or signs of oesophageal cancer. You may be referred to a specialist for some of the following tests:
- Endoscopy – a camera test which looks at the oesophageal wall and enables biopsies to be taken
- EUS endoscopic ultrasound which looks at the oesophageal wall in more detail
- Scans including CT, MRI or PET-CT
- Blood tests, including nutritional elements (vitamins and minerals)
Treatments we offer
Treatment of oesophageal cancer depends on its location (upper, middle, lower) and how advanced the cancer is. Your specialist doctor will discuss options with you which may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy kills cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. It can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from cancer that has spread.
Chemotherapy is medication that treats your cancer. The drugs kill cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and spreading further.
Radiotherapy kills cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. It can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from cancer that has spread.
Chemotherapy is medication that treats your cancer. The drugs kill cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and spreading further.
Meet our doctors
Everything we do is focused on designing better care for our patients. With a network of 12 specialist oncology treatment centres across the UK, we provide the most up-to-date treatments and technology as standard.
We attract and retain some of the most experienced doctors in the country, who all have a passion for improving patient outcomes and specialise in the treatment of different types of cancer.
Search for a centre near you
Springfield Cancer Centre, Lawn Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 7GU
Unit 710, Centennial Park, Centennial Avenue, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SZ
BMI St Martha Oncology Centre, 46 Harvey Road, Guildford, GU1 3LX
17 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4UA
Sunrise Parkway, Linford Wood East, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LS
The Park Centre for oncology, Sherwood Lodge Drive, Burntstump Country Park, Nottingham, NG5 8RX
Spire Hospital, Chalybeate Close, Southampton, SO16 6UY