Esophageal Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment
Overview
Esophagus is the muscular tube connecting the back of your mouth to the stomach. Abnormal growth of cells in the Esophagus is called as Esophageal cancer. Diagnosis is usually made late due to delayed occurrence of symptoms.
Risk Factors
- Alcohol
- Smoking and Tobacco consumption
- Obesity
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Hot liquids
- Spicy foods
- Hereditary (Peutz jeghers and cowdens syndrome)
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty in swallowing initially for solids, progressing to liquids
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Change of voice /dry cough
- Loss of weight
- Anaemia
Diagnosis
- Endoscopy is one of the most common ways of diagnosing esophageal cancer. It may be used to obtain a tissue biopsy as well as to determine the extent of the tumor. The camera on the end of the endoscope allows doctors to see the lining …
Treatment
- Surgery
- Esophagectomy is a surgical procedure to remove some or all of the esophagus and then reconstruct it using part of another organ, usually the stomach.
FAQ
- What are the types of esophageal cancers?
- What is the survival rate of esophageal cancers?
- How will cancer and its treatment affect my quality of life?
