Oesophageal Cancer: A Brief Overview of the Disease and a Case Study in the South African Context

Abstract

Oesophageal cancer (OC) is a worldwide disease with a high mortality. It is often diagnosed at a late stage of the illness. The sub type OC squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is prevalent in South Africa (SA)  and  endemic in some regions. Treatment is largely palliative and is  a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and chemo-radiotherapy. Common complications of  (OC)  include dysphagia, bleeding and obstruction. Early intervention and  symptomatic relief  improve health related  quality of life (HRQoL), however long-term survival remains dismally poor.