Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer :
Can be squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.

Typically presents with progressive dysphagia (first solids, then liquids) and weight loss

poor prognosis

Risk factors include:
ƒ Achalasia
ƒ Alcohol—squamous
ƒ Barrett esophagus—adeno
ƒ Cigarettes—both
ƒ Diverticula (e.g., Zenker)—squamous
ƒ Esophageal web—squamous
ƒ Familial
ƒ Fat (obesity)—adeno
ƒ GERD—adeno
ƒ Hot liquids—squamous

Squamous cell—upper 2 ⁄3. (some books mention middle 1/3rd)

Adenocarcinoma—lower 1 ⁄3.