Cancer of the Oesophagus

UK-Menu> Cancer-Types> Oesophageal Cancer

The oesophagus (US spelling: esophagus) or gullet is a long hollow muscular tube which connects the throat to the stomach. Oesophageal cancer is a disease where malignant (cancerous) cells arise in the tissues of the oesophagus. The most common symptom is difficulty in swallowing. It can also be associated with weight loss and sometimes pain or discomfort behind the breast bone or in the back - these symptoms should be checked by a doctor but not are sure signs of cancer. There are two main types of oesophageal cancer (depending on how the cells appear under the microscope); approximately half are classed as "squamous cell carcinomas" and half as "adenocarcinomas". People with frequent gastric reflux leading to Barrett's Oesophagus have an increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer. Menu: Cancer of the Oesophagus UK Oesophageal Cancer Resources International Resources for Oesophageal Cancer Molecular Biology of Oesophageal Cancer UK Oesophageal Cancer Resources (7 links) Cancer of the Oesphagus (Jeremy Livingstone, Consultant Surgeon, UK) This page includes a summary of oesophageal cancer and surgery. It includes images of barium swallow X-ray, endoscopic view, resected specimines and oesophagus with expanding metal stent. FTOCS - Familial Tylosis and Oesophageal Cancer Study (Molecular Genetics and Oncology Group, University of Liverpool, UK) A study into a rare form of oesophageal cancer, associated with an inherited skin condition called ‘tylosis’. The site includes information for patients, doctors and scientists. Humberside Oesophageal Support Group A support group for people with oesophageal cancer and other medical problems of the oesophagus. Oesophageal cancer (CancerHelp UK) Information about the cancer, diagnosis, treatment and living with the disease. Oesophageal Patients Association An organisation and charity founded in 1985 by survivors of oesophageal cancer. Questions and Answers: Cancer of the oesophagus (gullet) From the CancerHelp Web site produced by Cancer Research UK. Understanding Cancer of the Esophagus (Oesophagus) (BACUP, UK) An on-line booklet