Current Issues in Cancer Management of carcinomas of the upper gastrointestinal tract

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Abstract
Oesophageal cancer accounts for around 2% of cancer deaths in the United Kingdom annually. The diagnosis is associated with a median survival of 10 months, and fewer than 5% of patients are cured. In the past, squamous cell carcinomas have accounted for most oesophageal cancers (around 90%) but the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus is increasing, and these tumours now account for 20-40% of cases. In the Western World the risk of squamous cell cancer is modestly increased with cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption, whereas Barrett's oesophagus is an important risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. Other medical conditions associated with an increased risk include achalasia and the Plummer-Vinson syndrome.