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Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is the 6th most common cancer in India. However, many people are still unaware of this cancer or know very little about it. Esophageal cancer is of two major types: Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma, which can be caused by different causes.
The treatment of esophageal cancer depends upon various factors. Once it is diagnosed, it is vital to get treatment. If not treated or managed on time, it can lead to complications like pain, bleeding and obstruction.
Let’s learn about esophageal cancer in detail.
What is Esophageal cancer?
Before talking about esophageal cancer, let’s talk about the organ this cancer originates in.
The esophagus is a long, hollow tube that connects your mouth and stomach. When you swallow food, it passes through this tube and reaches your stomach for digestion. This is why it is also known as a food pipe.
When the cells inside the esophagus grow abnormally, they can form a tumor. In the beginning, cancer starts on the inside. Next, it spreads and moves towards the outer side of the esophagus. This is medically known as esophageal cancer.
Types
There are two types of esophageal cancer:
Adenocarcinoma |
Squamous cell carcinoma |
This cancer occurs in the gland that secrets mucus in the esophagus. This cancer mainly occurs at the lower part of the esophagus and affects more people than the other variety of cancer. | When cancer forms in the squamous cells (flat cells that line inside the esophagus), it is called Squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma. It usually occurs in the top and the middle part but can affect any part of the food pipe. |
Causes
The causes of esophageal cancer are not clear. However, like other cancer, it occurs due to some mutations in the genes. When this happens, the cells grow uncontrollably and multiply quickly. Soon, these cells form a tumor and can affect nearby tissues.
Furthermore, a few risk factors can increase your chances of getting this cancer. Let’s know what they are!
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Older age
- Gender: Men are more prone
- Obesity
- Alcoholism
- Not eating enough vegetables and fruits.
- Difficulty in swallowing due to an unrelaxed sphincter (achalasia)
- Barrett’s esophagus
- GERD
- Corrosive injury
Risk factors don’t necessarily mean you will get this cancer. It shows a slightly increased chance of getting one.
Let’s now talk about the signs and symptoms of Esophageal cancer.
Signs and Symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
- A feeling of a lump near the throat or chest.
- Pain behind your breastbone.
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Painful and difficult swallowing
Moreover, there are chances that the early stages of esophageal cancer may not cause any symptoms. Therefore, consult an oncologist for timely diagnosis and treatment as soon as you notice any abnormality.
With this, let’s come to our next section: Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may suggest one or a combination of several tests like:
- Esophagoscopy: During this test, the doctor will insert an endoscope into your esophagus through your mouth and throat. This device has an attached camera on the top that allows a doctor to look for any lumps, tumor or irritation in the esophagus.
- Biopsy: Sometimes, when there is a suspicion during esophagoscopy, your doctor will collect a tissue sample and send it to a lab for further investigation to look for cancer cells.
Extent of Cancer
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Bronchoscopy
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Computerized tomography (CT)
- Laparoscopy
Based on the results of such tests, doctors can tell the stage of esophageal cancer. The doctor can choose the best treatment option based on the cancer stage.
Treatment Options
There are different treatments of esophageal cancer that depend upon various factors such as stage, health, preference, etc. Following are the treatment options:
Surgery:
Your doctor will prescribe surgery to remove small tumors or a part of the esophagus (esophagectomy). Moreover, in other cases, your doctor can perform another procedure (esophagogastrectomy) where a lower part of the esophagus and upper part of the stomach is removed. Next, the remaining stomach is pulled up and connected to the end of the esophagus.
Radiation Therapy:
With this procedure, doctors will use high-energy x-ray beams to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. Radiation is the primary modality of treatment for upper esophageal cancers situated in the neck along with chemotherapy.
In other locations, Radiation is usually utilized before surgery to downsize the tumour. This is done in combination with chemotherapy. Radiation is also used as a palliative measure when the cancer is obstructing the passage of food in advanced inoperable cases.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be administered before surgery to downsize the tumor. Chemotherapy is administered after successful surgery in certain selected cases.
In advanced inoperable cases and stage 4 cancers, chemotherapy is used to control the cancer spread.
Chemoradiation Therapy:
A combination of chemotherapy and radiation is used as a curative treatment for upper esophageal tumours because it’s technically not possible to remove them surgically. Chemoradiation can also be used to reduce the size of the tumour and sterilize margins before surgery.
Combination of chemotherapy and radiation is used after surgery of the surgical margins are suboptimal.
Conclusion
Esophageal cancer is no longer a rare cancer. As an aware audience, it is crucial to manage our risk factors and work towards preventing this disease.
To get a successful treatment, report to your doctor immediately if you notice even the minor symptoms in your body. The best cancer treatment is awareness, prevention and timely diagnosis.
Stay safe, and stay informed! You can book an appointment for further questions or consultation with Dr. Praveen Kammar.
FAQs Related To Esophageal cancer
When should I see an esophageal cancer specialist?
Some signs and symptoms should not be ignored like:
- Unexplained weight loss
- A feeling of a lump near the throat or chest.
- Pain behind your breastbone.
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Painful and difficult swallowing
If you notice any such symptoms, consult an esophageal cancer specialist right away. These signs don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. However, they might show an abnormal function in your body that needs medical attention.
Where does esophageal cancer spread first?
Esophageal cancer starts in the innermost layer of the esophagus. When it grows and spreads, it can affect nearby lymph nodes and enter the bloodstream. Esophageal cancer can reach other organs and affect them as well. There are chances that cancer reaches and affects the liver or sometimes lungs.
Is esophagectomy a major surgery?
Esophagectomy is a surgical process to remove a part or all of your esophagus. This is done to remove cancerous cells or relieve symptoms of cancer. Next, it is attached directly to the stomach. It is commonly used for advanced esophageal cancer and occasional for Barrett’s esophagus.
Esophagectomy is a crucial surgery for patients with esophageal cancer. It helps remove cancer and relieve symptoms when no other treatments are working.
What should I do to prepare for esophageal cancer surgery?
Before an esophageal cancer surgery or an esophagectomy, your doctor will discuss all your concerns. If you smoke, your doctor will help you quit as smoking can worsen the side effects after the surgery.
Your doctor will also ask you about your regular medicine and guide you on how long you can take them before the surgery. He will also guide you on any additional food or nutrients you need before the night of the surgery.
You may be asked to bring certain items to the hospital on surgery day like certain medication, personal items, comfortable clothes, etc.
What should I expect after esophageal cancer surgery?
After the surgery has been done, your doctor will recommend tube feeding. It is a small tube placed into your abdomen and connected to the small bowel. This continues for four to six weeks to ensure adequate nutrition while recovering.
Once everything is normal, doctors remove the pipe. You will feel all well within a few weeks. If you notice any unusual symptoms, report it to your doctor at the earliest.
How do you find the best esophageal cancer treatment center for me?
The best esophageal cancer treatment center is one that has experts with vast knowledge. Expert surgeries like esophagectomy need high expertise and skill to perform them well. If you have esophageal cancer, you can book an appointment with our expert Dr. Praveen Kammar to start your treatment right away.
Dr. Praveen Kammar and his team have done many esophageal surgeries in the past with maximum positive results. When you choose us, you choose safe hands that care for you at all treatment steps.
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