Oesophageal cancer

Abstract Internationally, squamous cell carcinoma of the upper third of the oesophagus, secondary to smoking and alcohol, is the most prevalent form of oesophageal cancer. However, in Western countries where obesity, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and Barrett’s oesophagus are more prevalent, adenocarcinoma is the more common form of oesophageal cancer. Dysphagia is the most common presenting symptom and is typically related to the degree of tumour growth. Oesophageal cancers are diagnosed with oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and staged with endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography. The latest iteration of oesophageal cancer staging was designed to reflect the changes in tumour characteristics and behaviour over the course of time and treatments. As perioperative care continues to improve and treatment options continue to expand, this will allow for finer tuning of staging. Future iterations of cancer staging will likely incorporate tumour-specific biomarkers that will help provide patient-specific prognoses.