Gastrointestinal malignancy in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as the lungs. As survival has increased significantly over the past few decades, complications not seen previously have become apparent. There is an overall increased rate of malignancy in CF, particularly from the GI tract and in the post-transplant population. The most common sites of malignancy are the pancreatico-biliary and digestive tract, as well as an increased rate of testicular cancer. Using an illustrative case of metastatic oesophageal malignancy which initially appeared to be hepatic in origin, we have reviewed the literature surrounding malignancy in CF with a particular focus on the GI tract.

Keywords: Cancer screening; Colon cancer; Cystic fibrosis; Metastases; Oesophageal cancer.