NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Esophageal Disorders
/
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors and Presentation

Master Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors and Presentation with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors and Presentation

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis and Management
picmonic thumbnail
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Characteristics and Presentation
picmonic thumbnail
Barrett's Esophagus
picmonic thumbnail
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Assessment
picmonic thumbnail
Achalasia

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors and Presentation

Square-mouse with Tumor-guy and Sarcophagus
AhmedK
Esophageal cancer is commonly divided into squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is the most common type worldwide and commonly affects the upper 2/3 of the esophagus where squamous cell are more prominent. Risk factors for developing this disease include alcohol consumption, smoking, a diet poor in vegetables and fruits, Plummer-Vinson syndrome, and achalasia. Patients typically present with progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and anemia.
10 KEY FACTS
CHARACTERISTICS
Most Common Esophageal Cancer Worldwide
1 Foam-finger on Sarcophagus Tumor-guy

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC, SCC) is the most common type of esophageal cancer worldwide (over adenocarcinoma). In the 1960s, esophageal SCC accounted for more than 90% of all esophageal cancers in the United States. However, it has been steadily decreasing because of long-term reductions in tobacco and alcohol use.

Upper 2/3 of Esophagus
Upper (2) Tutu and (3) Tree

The majority of esophageal SCCs are located in the upper two-thirds of the esophagus. This region has a higher proportion of squamous cells than the lower one-third.

RISK FACTORS
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome
Plumber-Vincent (van Gogh)

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is characterized by the triad of iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia due to esophageal webs, and glossitis. It classically affects Caucasian females aged 30-60. This syndrome must be recognized early because it's a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Alcohol
Alcohol Bottle

Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for esophageal SCC. The quality and quantity of alcoholic beverages consumed may influence the chance of esophageal SCC. Hard liquor may have a higher risk than wine or beer.

Smoking
Cigarette

Smoking is another major risk factor for esophageal SCC. Tobacco products have several chemicals that are known carcinogens.

Poor Diet
Poor Diet-plate

There are plenty of dietary habits that have been associated with developing esophageal SCC. Drinking hot teas (≥65 degrees C), eating cured meats, betel/areca nuts, and sparse fruits and vegetables are all associated with this disease.

Achalasia
A-collar-and-leash

The presence of specific preexisting esophageal diseases such as achalasia and caustic strictures increases the risk of esophageal SCC. Patients with achalasia have a 16-fold risk for esophageal SCC during the next 20 years following diagnosis.

CLINICAL FEATURES
Progressive Dysphagia
Progressive Dice-fajita

Progressive dysphagia implies difficulty swalloing that begins with solid foods but then progresses to liquids. This usually occurs once the esophageal lumen diameter is less than 13 mm.

Weight Loss
Baggy-pants

Weight loss is due to a lack of appetite, dysphagia, and cancer-related anorexia.

Anemia
Anemone

Chronic gastrointestinal blood loss from esophageal cancer may result in iron deficiency anemia. Yet, patients rarely notice melena, hematemesis or blood in regurgitated food. Similarly, acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is rare and is a result of tumor erosion into esophageal veins, the aorta or bronchial arteries.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors and Presentation Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.