ABOUT THE DISEASE

The esophagus is the tube that moves food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. The wall of the esophagus is made up of several layers of tissue, including mucous membrane, muscle, and connective tissue. Esophageal cancer starts at the inside lining of the esophagus and spreads outward through the other layers as it grows.

Based on the type of cells, the two most common forms of esophageal cancer are:

- Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells and is most often found in the upper and middle part of the esophagus, but can occur anywhere along the length. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.

- Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells that produce and release mucus. Adenocarcinomas usually form in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.

SYMPTOMS

• • Trouble swallowing / moving back of food - regurgitation
• • Chest or back pain
• • Vomiting blood
• • Unintentional weight loss
• • Severe tiredness
• • Hoarse voice
• • Cough

CAUSES

Some of the known risk factors associated with this disease are:
- Age : older than 65 years of age.
- More prevalent in Males.
- Smoking or tobacco use.
- Drinking.
- Diet poor in fruits and vegetables.
- Obesity.
- Conditions causing damage or irritation to the esophagus, like GERD, Barrett Esophagus, Achalasia, etc.

DIAGNOSIS

- Barium Swallow
- Chest CT / MRI
- PET Scan
- Esophagoscopy
- Biopsy

TREATMENT METHODS

Depending on the stage of the cancer, whether it is localised to the esophagus or has it spread to other parts of the body and the overall health of the patient a treatment plan comprising of the following is followed:

Surgery - part of the esophagus may be removed (esophagectomy).The remaining healthy part of the esophagus is connected to the stomach so the patient can still swallow. A plastic tube or part of the intestine may be used to make the connection.

If the esophagus is partly blocked by the tumor, an expandable metal stent (tube) may be placed inside the esophagus to help keep it open.

This could also be coupled with Radiation therapy and Chemotherapy - sometimes if surgery is not possible the therapies are used to reduce the symptoms and provide palliative relief to the patients.

You may also like to learn about:

Gastric Cancer
GERD
Esophagitis
Achalasia cardia
Dysphagia
Oesophageal atresia