Oesophageal Cancer

Long-standing gastroesophageal reflux will lead to a condition called Barrett metaplasia, and increases the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus.

Nitrosamines and alcohol have been implicated in the high incidence of oesophageal cancer in certain countries. Nitrosamines are found as food preservatives.

Certain benign oesophageal diseases have been known to predispose to oesophageal cancer. Patients with achalasia, an oesophageal disease due to uncoordinated contractions of the oesophagus leading to difficulty swallowing, have a seven times higher incidence of oesophageal cancer. Previous injury to the oesophagus due to caustic soda also predisposes to cancer. Conditions such as Plummer-Vinson syndrome where a web forms over the opening of the oesophagus into the stomach, all predispose to oesophageal cancer.

Tylosis, an inherited condition characterised by thickening of the palms and soles, has a high association with oesophageal cancer.