Specialist Care in Singapore
Early diagnosis and expert surgical treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Our specialist team provides comprehensive, personalised care for every stage of oesophageal cancer.
New oesophageal cancer cases were reported in Singapore in 2020. Early detection saves lives.
Understanding the Condition
Oesophageal cancer is a malignant tumour that forms in the oesophagus — the muscular tube carrying food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
It occurs primarily in two forms: squamous cell carcinoma (upper/middle oesophagus, linked to smoking and alcohol) and adenocarcinoma (lower oesophagus, linked to chronic acid reflux and Barrett’s oesophagus).
The good news: when caught early, oesophageal cancer is highly treatable and curable with prompt, aggressive treatment.
Watch Out For
Many early symptoms are subtle and easy to dismiss. If you experience any of the following consistently, see a specialist promptly.
⚠️ Important: These symptoms can also indicate stomach cancer or other conditions. Prompt evaluation by a specialist is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Disease Progression
Staging determines the extent of cancer and guides the treatment approach using the TNM classification system (Tumour, Nodes, Metastasis).
Stage 0
Abnormal cells confined to the innermost lining only. Highly treatable with endoscopic procedures.
Stage I
Cancer invades deeper oesophageal layers but has not reached lymph nodes. Surgery or endoscopic therapy is typically effective.
Stage II
Tumour grows deeper and may affect nearby lymph nodes. Surgical resection with possible chemo/radiation.
Stage III
Spread to surrounding structures and lymph nodes. Combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to distant organs. Focus shifts to palliative care — managing symptoms and quality of life.
How We Find It
A flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to directly visualise the oesophageal lining and collect tissue biopsies. Quick, performed under light sedation.
Advanced imaging provides detailed pictures of the oesophagus and surrounding structures to determine cancer stage and guide treatment planning.
Tissue samples from the endoscopy are analysed by pathologists to confirm cancer presence, determine type (squamous cell or adenocarcinoma), and assess aggressiveness.
How We Treat It
Treatment depends on the cancer stage, type, and individual health. A multidisciplinary team approach ensures the best personalised plan.
Minimally Invasive
Combined Therapy
Systemic
Advanced
Know Your Risks
Having one or more risk factors does not guarantee cancer development, but awareness allows for earlier screening and preventive action.
Smoking and heavy drinking are the most significant risk factors, especially in combination.
Persistent acid reflux leads to Barrett's oesophagus — a direct precursor to adenocarcinoma.
Excess abdominal weight increases the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma significantly.
Risk increases sharply after 55. Men are significantly more likely to develop oesophageal cancer than women.
Diets low in fruits and vegetables, or high in processed and red meats, elevate cancer risk.
A family history of oesophageal cancer may raise individual risk, though the genetic mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
Reduce Your Risk
While some risk factors are unchangeable, these evidence-based steps can meaningfully lower your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Your Path Forward
1
Tests to confirm cancer and determine stage
2
Personalised plan by our multidisciplinary team
3
Surgery, chemo, radiation, or a combination
4
Nutritional support and physical rehabilitation
5
Regular monitoring for recurrence and long-term health
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common symptom is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, chest pain, and a persistent cough or hoarseness.
Diagnosis is typically made through an endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the oesophagus and take a tissue sample (biopsy).
You will likely have a feeding tube for a period after surgery. Our team, including a dietitian, will work with you to gradually reintroduce food and develop a long-term nutrition plan.
Yes. As oesophageal surgery carries assigned surgical codes, treatment costs may be covered under health insurance or Medisave. Our team will help you understand your coverage options — contact us for a detailed breakdown.
