ENT: Oesophageal Cancer: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Oesophageal Cancer (ENT)In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about oesophageal cancer for your exams and clinical practice: from classic red flag symptoms to the latest management strategies. Tune in for a high-yield, easy-to-remember summary!📝 Key Learning Points📚 Definition• Oesophageal cancer is a malignancy arising in the lining of the oesophagus, most commonly as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma (AC).🔬 Aetiology & Risk Factors• SCC: Strongly linked to smoking, heavy alcohol intake, poor nutrition, chronic inflammation (e.g., caustic injury, achalasia).• AC: Associated with chronic GORD (reflux), Barrett’s oesophagus, obesity, and high-fat/low-fruit diets.• Both: Risk increases with age, male sex, and some rare genetic syndromes.🌍 Epidemiology• 8th most common cancer globally, 6th leading cause of cancer death.• ~9,200 new cases/year in the UK; more common in men, peak age 85–89.🔑 Pathophysiology• SCC: Originates from upper/mid-oesophageal squamous cells.• AC: Starts from glandular cells, usually in the lower oesophagus where Barrett’s has developed.• Spreads locally, via lymphatics (nodes), and distantly (e.g., liver, lungs).🚨 Red Flag Symptoms• Progressive dysphagia (solids → liquids)• Unintentional weight loss• Odynophagia (painful swallowing), persistent cough, hoarseness• GI bleeding: haematemesis, melaena• Late: voice change, chest pain, anaemia🔍 Diagnosis & Staging• Gold standard: Endoscopy with biopsy• Staging: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), CT (chest, abdo, pelvis), PET-CT• Bloods: FBC, U&E, LFTs; HER2 testing for metastatic AC• Use TNM system (Tumour depth, Nodes, Metastases) to guide treatment💊 Management• Localised: Multimodal (surgery, chemo, radiotherapy)• Early-stage: Endoscopic resection• Advanced/metastatic: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy (e.g., HER2, PD-L1/PD-1), immunotherapy (nivolumab, pembrolizumab)• Palliation: Stenting, nutritional support, pain control⚠️ Complications• Metastasis (liver, lungs, nodes)• Oesophageal obstruction, severe malnutrition• Bleeding, fistulae, post-surgical leaks/infection📈 Prognosis• Often late presentation; 5-year UK survival ~15–25%• Early detection, combined therapy improve outcomes🛡️ Prevention• Healthy weight, stop smoking, limit alcohol, treat GORD, screen Barrett’s📎 More Oesophageal Cancer Resources:📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-cancer-revision-notes-2/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-cancer-flashcards-2/💬 Accordion Q&A: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-cancer-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-cancer-rapid-quiz/🎓 ENT for MSRA Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/#MSRA #OesophagealCancer #ENT #UpperGI #CancerAwareness #MSRARevision #BarrettsOesophagus #MedicalEducation #RedFlags #PassTheMSRA #HighYield #MedStudent #NICEGuidelines #Oncology