Esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach for getting digested. It is composed of a mucosal lining, submucosa, muscle tissue and an outer covering layer of cells. Esophegeal Cancer is the tumour that forms in tissues lining the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, with some areas of the world having a markedly higher rate than others. Also, the prognosis of this form of cancer is poor since, by the time the first symptoms start manifesting, the cancer has already well progressed.
The two main types of esophageal cancer are,
Adenocarcinoma– This type is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. In the United States, adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer. It’s been increasing since the 1970s.
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Squamous cell carcinomas– This type is usually found in the upper part of the esophagus. This type is becoming less common among Americans. Around the world, however, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type
Risk factors
- Age 65 or greater
- Male sex
- Smoking
- Heavy drinking
- A diet poor in fruits and vegetables
- Obesity
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Acid reflux
Common Symptoms
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus and vomiting
- Pain while swallowing
- Chest and/or back pain
- Heartburn
- Weight loss
- A hoarse voice
- Chronic coughing (one that doesn’t go away within 2 weeks)
- Blood in stools
The Fatal Connection
It has been observed that by limiting the incidents of acid reflux esophageal cancer can possibly be prevented. Acid Reflux is a condition in which stomach acids rise up into the esophagus because the valve that separates the stomach contents from the esophagus is faulty. Acid reflux caused in the stomach can destroy the cell lining of the esophagus resulting in barrett’s esophagus leading to esophageal cancer. Some common causes of acid reflux are,
- Pregnancy
- Large meals and eating habits
- Hiatus hernia (hiatal hernia)
- Peptic ulcers and insufficient digestive enzymes
- Asthma
Doctors suggest that people, who feel that they are susceptible to acid reflux need to eat smaller meals, walk after consuming meals, make use of antacids regularly, avoid reclining immediately after eating, have meals at least five hours before going to sleep and most importantly, avoid foods which can cause irritation of the digestive system such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and spices and condiments. Meditation and yoga can reduce the incidence of acid reflux.
Diagnosis
Some possible treatment options are surgery, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy and other alternative methods. Doctors may order one or more of the following staging tests to detect esophageal cancer and/or acid reflux,
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- CT Scan
- MRI
- PET Scan
- Bone Scan
- Lacroscopy
- Barium swallow
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy
If the biopsy shows that you have cancer, your doctor needs to learn the extent (stage) of the disease to help you choose the best treatment.
