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A complete overview of Esophageal Cancer
Definition of Esophageal Cancer
Esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that extends from your throat to the abdomen and carries food that you swallow to the stomach. Esophageal cancer starts in the inner lining layer and spreads outwards and along the length of the esophagus. The growing tumour gradually occludes the passage of food and causes symptoms. Esophageal cancer is more common in South East Asia and parts of Africa.
Types of Esophagus Cancer
There are basically two types of esophageal cancer namely
Causes of Esophageal Cancer
The main causes and risk factors for esophageal cancer include
Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
Early on during the initial stages of the disease there are usually no symptoms. The symptoms that may be experienced include
Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer
A typical history about symptoms will make your doctor suspect esophageal cancer. However you may require the following tests
Endoscopy and Biopsy
A long flexible tube fitted with camera and light is passed down your throat. The tumour is visualized and the extent of block can be made out. Samples of tissue from suspicious areas are taken for biopsy to detect cancer
Barium Swallow X-Ray
This test is rarely done these days. Here you are asked to drink a particular liquid, containing Barium solution. This particular liquid coats your layer of esophagus, while the X-Rays are being taken.
CT scan
CT scan of chest and abdomen are taken to know the exact location and extent of the disease and the relation of the tumour to the surrounding structures. CT scan will tell if the tumour is early or advanced.
Treatment of Esophageal Cancer
Management of esophageal cancer depends on the location of the cancer, stage of the disease and the physical wellbeing and personal preferences of the patient.
Surgery
Surgery involves removal of the esophagus, which can be done by laparoscopy or open surgery. The stomach or large intestine can be mobilized to the chest cavity to carry out the function of the esophagus.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
A combination of chemotherapy and radiation is usually given to patients who do not prefer to undergo surgery and who have squamous type cancer. This combination treatment may also be given after surgery depending on the stage of the disease.
Endoscopic Therapy
This involves insertion of self-expanding metallic stent across the tumour. This usually is done in patients who have advanced tumour that may not be amenable to cure.
Other forms of therapy include photodynamic therapy, laser coagulation of the tumour.
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