Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

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

Risk factors

The following factors are known to increase the risk of esophageal cancer:

• Alcohol consumption
• Bile reflux
• Frequent esophageal problems
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Obesity
• Smoking

Diagnosis

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

Surgery can be performed to remove a portion of the esophagus or Esophagectomy, 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 depending on the overall health condition of the patient.