Page 5 - Family Help

Understanding oesophageal (gullet) cancer

Introduction
This booklet gives information and support to people who have cancer of the
oesophagus or stomach, and their families and friends. Each year nearly 8,000
people in the UK are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and approximately
7,000 people with stomach cancer. In this booklet we aim to answer some of the
questions you may have about its diagnosis and treatment.

The oesophagus

The oesophagus (pronounced e-sof-fa-gus) is also known as the gullet. It is a
long, muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach. It is at least 30 cm
(12 inches) long in adults. When you swallow food, it is carried down the
oesophagus to the stomach and the walls of the oesophagus contract to move the
food downwards. The upper part of the oesophagus runs behind, but is separate
from, the windpipe (trachea). The windpipe connects your mouth and nose with
your lungs, enabling you to breathe.

A tumour can occur anywhere along the length of the oesophagus. Various lymph
nodes (which filter fluid and can trap bacteria, viruses and cancer cells) are near
the oesophagus, in your neck, in the middle of your chest and near the area
where the oesophagus joins the stomach.

Causes
Cancer of the oesophagus is becoming more common in Europe and North
America. Men are affected more than women and it occurs generally in older

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