Esophageal Cancer: Important Facts
Esophagus, or food pipe is a hollow tube responsible for carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. Cancer of the esophagus starts in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus and is one of the cancers most responsible for cancer deaths across the world.
While early esophageal cancer presents no clear symptoms, the most common symptoms associated with Esophageal Cancer are:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden weight loss
- Chest pain or burning sensation
- Heartburn
- Coughing or voice gruffness
Once the symptoms indicate the possibility of esophageal cancer, tests and
procedures used to diagnose it
are an Upper GI Endoscopy and a biopsy. After confirmed diagnosis, your doctor will determine the stage of cancer and the treatment options. CT scan and a PET scan will be used for this.
Treatment
A combination of the following may be required depending on the stage and
advancement of the cancer:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
Surgeries to remove very small tumour are:
- Surgery to remove a portion of the esophagus or Esophagectomy
- Surgery to remove part of the esophagus and the upper portion of the stomach or esophagogastrectomy
Surgery to remove the esophagus can be performed as an open procedure
using large incisions or using minimally invasive methods.
The following factors are known to increase the risk of esophageal cancer:
- Alcohol consumption
- Bile reflux
- Consuming very hot liquids frequently and fewer fruits and vegetables
- GERD
- Obesity
- Smoking