What is oesophageal cancer?
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
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Oesophageal cancer is a serious condition affecting the food pipe (oesophagus) and requires prompt specialist assessment.
Treatment may involve a combination of investigations, staging, and surgery, including laparoscopic (keyhole) and robotic techniques, depending on the stage and individual patient factors.
Oesophageal cancer develops in the lining of the oesophagus and can affect swallowing and digestion.
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There are two main types:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
The most common symptom is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
This may:
- Start occasionally
- Gradually become more frequent
- Progress from difficulty swallowing liquids to solid food
Other symptoms may include:
- Vomiting blood
- Black or tarry stools
- Persistent tiredness (lethargy)
- Iron deficiency anaemia due to slow blood loss
- Loss of appetite
- Food feeling stuck in the chest
- Unintentional weight loss
What causes oesophageal cancer?
Oesophageal cancer can be associated with several underlying risk factors.
Common factors include:
- Long-standing acid reflux (GORD)
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Chronic inflammation of the oesophagus
Not all patients will have clear risk factors, which is why symptoms should not be ignored.
How is oesophageal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of tests to confirm the condition and assess its extent.
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These may include:
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy
- CT scan
- PET scan
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
These investigations help determine the stage of the disease and guide treatment planning.
How is oesophageal cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient.
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Options may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Surgery
- Combined treatment approaches
In selected patients, surgery may be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) or robotic techniques, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Learn more about robotic surgery
- Learn more about laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if you experience:
- Persistent or progressive difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing reflux symptoms that are worsening
Early investigation allows for timely diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment.
Why choose Mr Ash Rohatgi
Mr Ash Rohatgi is a Consultant Upper GI Surgeon in London with experience in managing oesophageal conditions, including cancer.
His approach focuses on:
Careful patient selection
Minimally invasive surgical techniques
Individualised treatment planning
Ashish is friendly, helpful and kind and went above and beyond my expectations in helping when my daughter was ill ( away at University). Sets a standard others should aim for. Highly professional and friendly
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
I thank Dr Ashish Rohatgi for his loving service and successful operation. My stomach pain is gone after his operation. God bless him to continue his service.
☆☆☆☆☆ Rated 5 out of 5
A wonderful person and doctor always there to listen to your problems very professional highly recommended
☆☆☆☆☆ Rated 5 out of 5
Book a consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or persistent reflux, a specialist assessment is important. A consultation with Mr Ash Rohatgi, Consultant Upper GI Surgeon in London, includes a full evaluation of your symptoms, appropriate investigations such as endoscopy and imaging, and a clear diagnosis. Where needed, treatment options including minimally invasive and robotic surgery for oesophageal cancer will be explained clearly to help you make an informed decision about your care.
