Oesophageal Cancer
There are two main types of Oesophageal cancer:
1. Adenocarcinoma – this usually occurs in the lower oesophagus and is linked to Barrette’s oesophagus
2. Squamous cell carcinoma – this usually occurs in the upper oesophagus and is closely linked to smoking and alcohol consumption
The fear and worry around any cancer diagnosis is completely understandable and Dr Rehan Haidry and his team work with patients to focus on treatment and positive outcomes wherever possible. Early signs of Oesophageal cancer include:
- Unusual coughing
- Hoarseness
- Pressure or burning in the chest
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Worsening or constant heartburn and/or indigestion
The prognosis for Oesophageal cancer is of course something all patients are concerned with. This is always highly dependent on the stage of the cancer and whether the current treatments available can cure the disease. With this in mind it is imperative you visit your doctor as soon as you experience any unusual symptoms.
Diagnosing Oesophageal cancer
Anyone experiencing any of the symptoms above should make an appointment with their GP and if required, get a referral to gastroenterology for further tests. The first diagnostic test will be a gastroscopy which allows the doctor to see inside your oesophagus and stomach. Biopsies will be taken for analysis so a diagnosis can be made.
Patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus will be closely monitored for cell changes and so treatment can begin quickly.
Treating Oesophageal cancer
Once diagnosis is confirmed, the patient’s oesophageal cancer will be staged and a management plan will be designed, unique to the individual patient. Other medical conditions and the personal wishes of the patient and their family are included at this point.
Patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus will be closely monitored for cell changes and so treatment can begin quickly.
Treatment for Curable Cancer
In more advanced stages further surgical intervention may be considered. It may include the removal of the tumours, lymph nodes and surrounding tissue to remove any risk of the cancer spreading. The surgery will also repair the digestive tract to allow it to function as effectively as possible.
Squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus is usually very responsive to combined therapies including radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Treatment of Advanced and Incurable Cancer
Patients with advanced stage Oesophageal cancer will have a management plan focused on improving and extending their quality of life. Therapies may include a range of different treatments or no treatment, depending entirely on the individual circumstances.
Treating and Diagnosing Oesophageal cancer
Dr Rehan Haidry is an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist who has supported and treated many patients with different stages of Oesophageal cancer. All consultations are patient-focused and treatment options will be made clear so every patient can make an informed decision about their next steps.
Dr Haidry has vast experience of carrying out laser treatment and placing asopadule stents of managing paients with advanced desease with symtoms of inability to swallow.
Get In Touch
For any enquiries about conditions, tests or treatments, please feel free to call Dr Rehan Haidry’s medical secretary Debra Hyams on:
Tel: 0203 423 7609 | Email: rhaidrymedsec@ccf.org