INFORMATION ON ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

The esophagus is a muscular tube that extends from neck to the abdomen and carries carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer starts in the inner layer of esophagus.

The most common types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in flat cells that line the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma develops in the lining of the esophagus and is associated with a condition called Barrett's esophagus.


CAUSES OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

People who smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, and drink alcohol are at a higher risk for this cancer. People who are infected with human papilloma virus are also at increased risk. People exposed to silica, a primary component of sandstone and granite, can have increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Sometimes esophageal cancer is associated with certain rare medical conditions, including:
Achalasia.
Esophageal webs.
Tylosis

SYMPTOMS OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, or the sticking of food before it gets into the stomach. Other symptoms includes
Hoarseness or chronic cough
Pain in the throat
Vomiting
Weight Loss


DIAGNOSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Diagnosis of esophageal cancer can be done by following methods-
1. Blood test
2. Chest X-ray
3. contrast barium swallow
4. Bronchoscopy
5. CT scan
6. Endoscopic ultrasound (to determine the size of the tumor and the extent of spread into nearby tissue)
7. Positron emission tomography (PET; used to detect metastasis and to help stage the disease)


TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
Treatment depends on the location ,stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. Surgery is the most common treatment for esophageal cancer. The tumor along with all or a portion of the esophagus is removed. Removing of the esophagus is called an esophagectomy. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be done for the treatment of esophagus.