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Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer occurs when uncontrolled abnormal cells develop in layers of the oesophageal wall.

Quick facts about oesophageal cancerQuick facts about oesophageal cancer

  • The oesophagus is the tube that transports food from your throat to your stomach to be digested. There are three layers of the oesophageal wall, which include the mucosa (made up of squamous cells), submucosa and muscle layer (muscularis propria), in addition to the outer covering (adventitia)
  • Most oesophageal cancers begin in the lower section of the oesophagus
  • Each year, there are around 9,400 new oesophageal cancer cases in the UK. Oesophageal cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK.

Types of oesophageal cancerTypes of oesophageal cancer

The two most common types of oesophageal cancer are: 

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Cancer treatment therapist caring for patient.

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma

Cancer that develops in the glandular cells which line the oesophagus. This type of cancer typically forms in the lower section of the oesophagus.

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Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer that begins in squamous cells that line the oesophagus. This often develops in the middle and upper part of the oesophagus.

Other types of oesophageal cancer include small cell carcinoma, lymphoma, neuroendocrine tumours and gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

Icon Care team member consulting with cancer patient.
Icon Care team member consulting with cancer patient.

Signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancerSigns and symptoms of oesophageal cancer

As signs and symptoms for oesophageal cancer can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive an oesophageal cancer diagnosis.

Oesophageal cancer can be difficult to detect as there are often no symptoms during the early stages. However, as the disease progresses symptoms may include:

  • Pain or difficulty swallowing such as a feeling of choking when swallowing

  • Heartburn

  • Vomiting blood

  • Black or bloody stools

  • Unexplained fatigue

  • Discomfort in the upper abdomen particularly when eating

  • Weight loss

  • Coughing or hoarseness 

Stages of oesophageal cancerStages of oesophageal cancer

The TNM system is used to stage oesophageal cancer, and it helps doctors understand what your cancer looks like.

The TNM stands for:

  • Tumour – The extent to which the tumour infiltrates into surrounding tissue
  • Node – Is a measure of surrounding lymph nodes involvement
  • Metastasis – Describes whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The TNM information, along with other tests, helps determine the stage of your oesophageal cancer using the guidelines below:

Stage 0 oesophageal cancer Stage I oesophageal cancer Stage II oesophageal cancer Stage III oesophageal cancer Stage IV oesophageal cancer
Stage zero Oesophageal Cancer

Stage 0

The cancer is only in the top layer of the oesophageal lining (epithelium) and has not spread to deeper layers of the oesophagus.

Stage 1 Oesophageal Cancer

Stage I

The cancer has grown into the mucosa, submucosa or muscle layer (muscularis propria).

Stage 2 Oesophageal Cancer

Stage II

The cancer has spread to the muscularis propria or outer layer of the oesophagus (adventitia). Alternatively, the cancer has grown into the mucosa or submucosa and has spread to one or two nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3 Oesophageal Cancer

Stage III

The cancer has spread to the mucosa, submucosa, adventitia or muscularis propria and no more than six nearby lymph nodes. Alternatively, the cancer has grown into the pleura, pericardium or diaphragm and no more than two nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer

Stage IV

The cancer has spread beyond the oesophageal wall to nearby lymph nodes and parts of the body such as the pleura, pericardium, diaphragm, trachea, aorta and spine, or throughout the body to distant lymph nodes and/or organs such as the liver or lungs.

Treatment for oesophageal cancer

There are many different types of treatment for oesophageal cancer. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.

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Frequently asked questions about oesophageal cancerFAQs

Is oesophageal cancer hereditary?

For most oesophageal cancer cases, genetic mutations are somatic (meaning they happen in cells only specific to that individual and are not inherited). In rare cases, genetics can play a role in the development of oesophageal cancer, particularly for people who have inherited gene mutations such as the RHBDF2 gene. However, the known risk factors of oesophageal cancer are high alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.

What causes oesophageal cancer?

The cause of oesophageal cancer is not fully known, however there are a number of modifiable and non-modifiable factors which increase your risk of oesophageal cancer. 

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk factors

  • Age – The risk for oesophageal cancer increases for people over 60 years
  • Certain lifestyle-related factors – Such as being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol or smoking
  • Family history – Including oesophageal cancer, pre-existing medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or inherited genetic conditions such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) or Cowden syndrome.

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk factors

  • Age – The risk for oesophageal cancer increases for people over 60 years
  • Certain lifestyle-related factors – Such as drinking alcohol, smoking and drinking very hot liquids (above 65°C) frequently.
How common is oesophageal cancer?

Each year, there are around 9,400 new oesophageal cancer cases in the UK. Oesophageal cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK.

How is oesophageal cancer diagnosed?

There are many different tests that are used to diagnose oesophageal cancer. This may include an endoscopy, which uses an endoscope to investigate the digestive tract and remove tissue (biopsy), or an endoscopic ultrasound which can indicate if the cancer has spread into the oesophageal wall or lymph nodes. Further tests may include CT/PET scans or laparoscopy to detect if the cancer has spread.

What can I do to decrease my risk of oesophageal cancer?

There are a number of lifestyle-related factors you can consider to reduce your risk of developing oesophageal cancer, like:

  • Quit smoking – Cigarette smoking carries a significantly higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer
  • Get regular exercise – At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day
  • Reduce your alcohol intake – If you choose to drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than two standard drinks a day. Alcohol consumption has a dose-response relationship with cancer (meaning the more you drink the higher the risk of developing cancer). Drinking alcohol has been related to cancers of the oesophagus
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet – Eat a fibre-rich diet from grain and legume sources, as well as enjoy a variety of fruit (2 serves) and vegetables (5 serves) per day, limit your intake of salt and saturated fats, and avoid all processed meat.

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