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Esophageal cancer

Diseases and Conditions Esophageal cancer
Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment
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Overview

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, a long, hollow tube that connects your throat to your stomach. It is responsible for moving the food you swallow from the back of your throat to your stomach for digestion. The disease typically begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus and can occur anywhere along the esophagus. It is more common in men than women and is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide.

Types of Esophageal cancer

  1. Adenocarcinoma: This type of esophageal cancer begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is most common in the lower part of the esophagus.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma: The squamous cells are flat, thin cells that line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often in the middle of the esophagus.

Causes of Esophageal cancer

The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown, but the following factors may increase the risk:

  • Smoking or use of tobacco in any form.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption.
  • Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that sometimes develops in people with long-term GERD.

Risk Factors of Esophageal cancer

Several factors may increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer, including:

  • Age: Esophageal cancer occurs most often in people over the age of 50.
  • Gender: Men are more likely than women to get esophageal cancer.
  • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Symptoms of Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer does not usually cause symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. The following are some of the symptoms:
1. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): This is often one of the first symptoms of esophageal cancer. It can start with a feeling of discomfort or burning in the throat or chest during meals. Over time, swallowing solid foods can become increasingly difficult.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss: This is typically due to a decrease in appetite or difficulty eating and swallowing foods. As the cancer progresses, swallowing becomes more difficult, which can limit the ability to eat enough to maintain weight.
3. Chest pain, pressure, or burning: These symptoms may not occur until the disease is advanced. Pain may be felt behind the breastbone or in the throat, back, or between the shoulder blades. This pain can often be confused with other conditions like heartburn or heart disease.
4. Worsening indigestion or heartburn: While these are common conditions, a sudden increase in severity or frequency can be a symptom of esophageal cancer.
5. Coughing or hoarseness: These symptoms occur when the cancer has spread to the laryngeal nerves.
6. Bleeding in the esophagus: This can lead to black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These are signs of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be a symptom of advanced esophageal cancer.

Preventions of Esophageal cancer

While it’s not possible to completely prevent esophageal cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

  • Quit smoking.
  • Limit alcohol.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.

Diagnosis of Esophageal cancer

Diagnosis of esophageal cancer might involve:

  • A barium swallow study.
  • Endoscopy.
  • Biopsy.
  • Imaging tests.

Treatment for Esophageal cancer

Treatment options for esophageal cancer depend on the stage of the cancer and might include:

  • Surgery.
  • Radiation therapy.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Targeted drug therapy.
  • Immunotherapy.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you experience persistent symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or other symptoms that worry you, schedule an appointment with your doctor.