Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal Cancer - What it is

The oesophagus is the tube that connects the mouth and throat to the stomach. In the chest, it lies behind the windpipe or trachea. Further down, it passes through an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that lies between the lungs and the stomach. After passing through the diaphragm, the oesophagus joins the stomach. Where the oesophagus joins the stomach is a valve to prevent food from passing backward from the stomach to the oesophagus. The cells of the inner lining of the oesophagus can become cancers.

Two most common histologic types of malignant oesophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma (typically start in the lower esophagus) and squamous cell carcinoma (can occur anywhere throughout the esophagus).

How common is Oesophageal Cancer?

There is a decreasing trend for oesophageal cancer. However the incidence of adenocarcinoma has increased and is now more prevalent than squamous cell carcinoma.

Age of Onset

Oesophageal cancer occurs most commonly in the elderly. It is more common in men than women.

Oesophageal Cancer - Preparing for surgery

Oesophageal Cancer - Post-surgery care

Oncology,

Oesophageal Cancer,

Oesophagus Cancer

Article contributed by Cancer Education ＆ Information Service, National Cancer Centre Singapore

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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