2. Esophageal carcinoma

Page created on January 30, 2019. Last updated on February 7, 2019 at 15:05

Organ: Oesophagus

Description:

We can see that the mucosa of the oesophagus is normal, except on the lower part. On that part is the mucosa ulcerated.

Diagnosis: Probably oesophageal adenocarcinoma, unlikely oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Risk factors:

  • Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
    • Barret’s metaplasia (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)
  • Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
    • Smoking
    • Alcohol
    • Poor hygiene

Theory:

Two major types of oesophageal cancer exist according to microscopy: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma..

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma mostly affects the lower parts, which is why this preparation is most likely an adenocarcinoma. The major risk factor is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, which again is associated with obesity, which has become more common the last decades.

Oesophageal cancer is also classified according to the macroscopy; we can have polypoid types or ulcerating types.

Polypoid tumors produce “polyps” that protrude into the lumen and obstruct it. It is the most common type.

Ulcerating tumors don’t protrude into the lumen but ulcerates the mucosal surface. This may cause melena. This preparation is of this type.

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3 thoughts on “2. Esophageal carcinoma”

  1. At our practice, the teacher said it is most likely a squaomus cell cc. according to the localisation. This prep does not show a full lenght oesophagus, just approx the upper 2/3, if you try to imagine, it indeed looks too short for a full organ. Hope it helped 🙂

    1. I see your point, and you might be right, but I usually go with what my teacher says when these situations happen. It doesn’t make a huge difference either way.

      What I don’t understand is how the teachers can’t agree on this shit. It can’t be that hard.

      1. Szia, Nik

        our teacher also said most likely adeno. cc. and not sq.c.cc.
        But as you said, probably dosen’t matter, and we’ll most likely talk about both.

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