In the lining of the oesophagus cancer of the oesophagus or gullet develops as a result of cell changes.
There are two main types of cancer of the oesophagus:
1. Squamous carcinoma : Which is more common at the upper end of the gullet.
2. Adeno carcinoma : Which is more common at the lower end, particularly around the junction between the gullet and the stomach.
Arising close to the junction of stomach and gullet, but the reasons for this are not yet known there has been a recent increase in the proportion of tumours.
In a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus the lining of the gullet changes to being more like the lining of the stomach. Patients with Barrett’s oesophagus are at an increased risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus and may benefit from regular follow-up and supervision by a doctor.
