What is Esophageal Cancer?

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Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is cancer that arises from the esophagus (the long tube that carries the food from the mouth through the throat to the stomach).

Esophageal cancer doesn’t usually cause any symptoms in the early stages. However, difficulty swallowing food, heartburn, vomiting up blood, cough, and an undesired weight loss are some of the main symptoms when the tumor gets bigger. A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, and excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Treatment usually involves surgery as well as radiotherapy or medication (chemotherapy).

Risks

Cancer occurs when a group of abnormal cells grows uncontrollably. These cells tend to destroy the normal cells around them and can spread into other parts of the body. Males are more commonly affected than females. This condition is most common in adults older than 60. People with long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease may be at increased risk of developing this condition. Other factors which increase the likelihood of developing esophageal cancer include drinking alcohol, smoking, and being obese. People who both smoke and drink heavily are at even higher risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

• difficulty swallowing (some people feel food sticking in their chest)
• regurgitating undigested food
• reflux
• heartburn
• hoarseness
• coughing when eating or drinking

Later symptoms may include:
weight loss, chest pain, and vomiting blood. Esophageal cancer is often symptomless in the early stages of the disease and has been known to cause mild symptoms which may be mistaken for other illnesses.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is made based upon the symptoms, a physical examination, and a test called endoscopy (in which a small flexible camera is inserted into the body through the mouth to look at the esophagus and stomach). If anything abnormal is seen, a sample of the esophagus can be taken (a biopsy) to investigate for cancer. Scans, such as a CT (computed tomography) are often needed to determine the size, location, and developmental stage of esophageal cancer.

Treatment of esophageal cancer

Treatment of esophageal cancer depends on the size of cancer, the exact type of cancer, and whether cancer has spread.

This combination of these factors decides the stage of cancer. Depending on the stage, esophageal cancer can be treated by radiotherapy, surgical removal of some or all of the esophagus, and chemotherapy or a combination of therapies. The treating doctor can give the best advice as to treatment. Counseling or involvement in a support group may be helpful to the patient in coming to terms with their diagnosis.

Prevention

Gastroesophageal reflux should be treated effectively and monitored for signs of developing esophageal cancer. Losing weight, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking may all help to prevent esophageal cancer.

Other names for esophageal cancer

• Cancer of the food pipe

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**What is Esophageal Cancer?**



**Question: What is esophageal ​cancer?**



**Answer:** Esophageal cancer is a‍ type of​ cancer that occurs in ⁣the ‍esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the​ throat to the stomach. The most prevalent types⁤ are ‌**squamous cell carcinoma** ‌and **adenocarcinoma**.



**Question: What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?**



**Answer:** Symptoms often develop‍ in advanced stages​ and include:



* Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

* Weight loss

* Persistent heartburn

* Regurgitation of food or liquid

* Chest pain or discomfort



**Question: What causes esophageal cancer?**



**Answer:** Risk factors include:



* **Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)**

* Barrett’s ⁤esophagus (precancerous change in the esophageal‍ lining)

* Obesity

* Smoking

* Excessive ‌alcohol consumption

* Achalasia (abnormal relaxation of ⁣the esophageal valve)



**Question: How is esophageal cancer ⁢diagnosed?**



**Answer:**‌ Diagnosis typically involves:



* **Endoscopy**‍ (insertion of a flexible camera) with biopsy

* **Endoscopic ultrasound** (using sound waves)

* ​**Barium swallow** (X-ray with⁤ a barium contrast agent)

* **CT scan** (computed tomography)

* **PET scan**​ (positron emission tomography)



**Question:​ How is esophageal cancer treated?**



**Answer:** ⁣Treatment options depend​ on ⁢the stage and location of the cancer and may ​include:



* **Surgery** (to remove the cancerous section of the esophagus)

* ‌**Chemotherapy**

* **Radiation therapy**

* **Targeted therapy** (drugs⁤ that target specific molecular changes)

*⁢ **Immunotherapy** (stimulating the immune system to fight cancer)



**Question: What is the prognosis for esophageal cancer?**



**Answer:**⁢ Prognosis varies greatly depending‌ on the stage of cancer at⁤ diagnosis. The‍ earlier it’s detected, ⁣the ⁢better the chances for a​ successful outcome. Overall, the 5-year survival‍ rate for all stages of esophageal cancer ‍is approximately 19%.



**Question: How can I prevent esophageal cancer?**



**Answer:** Preventive measures⁤ include:



* Managing heartburn and GERD

* Quitting smoking

* Limiting alcohol intake

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and⁣ vegetables