What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophagus is a tube like structure that connects the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells in the esophagus start to develop and grow uncontrollably. The origin of the cancer is usually in the inner lining of the esophagus and it grows outwards to the outer layers and might even spread to other organs also known as metastasis of cancer.
What are the types of Esophageal Cancer?
There are mainly two kinds of cancers:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the kind of cancer which originates in the flat cells in the inside lining of the esophagus. It is commonly found in the start of mid of the esophagus however, it is possible for it to grow anywhere.
- Adenocarcinoma: The glandular cells of the esophagus are responsible for the production of mucus and adenocarcinoma is the type of cancer which originates in the glandular cells. It is mostly found in the lower portion of the esophagus.
What are the risk factors of Esophageal Cancer?
There are certain factors which might increase the chances of developing Esophageal Cancer, such as:
- Tobacco use or smoking.
- Alcohol use.
- GERD, Gastroesophageal reflux disease which makes the acid and items in the stomach to reflux back up to the esophagus.
- Barrett’s Esophagus, long time GERD can cause changes in the cells at the bottom of the esophagus which can increase the risk of adenocarcinoma.
What are the stages of Esophageal Cancer?
- Stage 0: The cells are abnormal however they are not cancerous and are found in the inner lining.
- Stage 1: Cancerous cells are only in the inner lining.
- Stage 2: Cancer has now spread to the outer layer of the esophagus.
- Stage 3: Cancer has reached the cells of the muscle layer of connective tissue.
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs as well.
How is Esophageal Cancer diagnosed?
The detection of esophageal cancer could be done by certain diagnostic tools:
- Endoscopy.
- Barium Swallow: Uses x-ray to allow doctors to see the inside lining of the esophagus.
- Biopsy.
- CT Scan.
- PET Scan.
- MRI Scan.
How is Esophageal Cancer treated?
Treatment of Esophageal Cancer can be by a combination of below procedures and techniques:
- Surgery.
- Radiation Therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Targeted Therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Photodynamic therapy.
- Electrocoagulation.
- Cryotherapy.
What are the symptoms of Esophageal Cancer?
The initial stages of this cancer might hardly manifest any symptoms, however once the cancer has progressed, few symptoms might be as below:
- Pain while swallowing.
- Loss of weight.
- Digestion trouble.
- Heartburn.
- Nausea.
- Reflux of food.
- Chest pain.
- Immense weakness.
- Hiccups.
- Chronic cough.
How can Esophageal Cancer be prevented?
Few lifestyle changes which can be done to prevent Esophageal Cancer:
- Avoid cigarette and alcohol.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight.