Oesophageal cancer arises from the cells from the inner most lining of the oesophagus. There are two main types of oesophageal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The squamous cell cancer arrives from the cells that form the inner most lining of the oesophagus and world wide it came from the majority of cases. Adenocarcinoma develops in people where the lining of the inner most part of the oesophagus has changed in response to constant exposure to stomach acids among other bronchial agents.
Our approach, patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer are treated as part of a multidisciplinary management team that focuses on cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and pancreas. Patients are offered the latest in minimally invasive surgery as well as the latest developments in chemotherapy and radiation therapy for oesophageal cancer.
Our major focus is to improve outcomes following surgery as well as the identification of normal therapeutic targets aimed at improving cancer outcomes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of oesophageal cancer can include difficulty swallowing which is the most common symptom and initially begins with solids and then includes liquids. Painful swallowing is also symptoms as is pressure being in the chest. Unexplained weight loss and hoarseness may also be related to oesophageal cancer.
Treatment
The choice of treatment for oesophageal cancer depends on the stage of the disease. In combinations of surgery, chemotherapy and or radiation therapy are offered to patients depending on their stage.