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Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma — ESEGH MCQ

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HardGI CancerOesophageal squamous cell carcinomaESEGH

A 67-year-old man has 4 months of progressive dysphagia, initially to solids and now to liquids, with 9 kg weight loss. He smokes and drinks 35 units weekly. Endoscopy shows an ulcerated mid-oesophageal tumour and biopsies confirm squamous cell carcinoma. CT shows no distant metastases. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: E — PET-CT plus endoscopic ultrasound for locoregional staging

The best answer is “PET-CT plus endoscopic ultrasound for locoregional staging”. PET-CT and endoscopic ultrasound for staging suitability The alternatives “Faecal immunochemical test, when clinically appropriate”, “Serum amylase, after specialist review”, “SeHCAT scan, within a guideline-based pathway”, “Capsule endoscopy as sole staging” are plausible in related gastroenterology presentations but do not match the defining finding, threshold, sequence or UK pathway in this stem.

Reference: NICE NG83 oesophago-gastric cancer recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng83/chapter/Recommendations