What should you know about esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that basically occurs in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The food you swallow, the esophagus transports it from the throat to the stomach for digestion. This is a rare form of cancer that starts in the cell that is inside the esophagus but if it is not caught early, it can be dangerous. Generally, this cancer occurs in humans because of our nutritional habits, obesity, and intake of tobacco and alcohol. April is esophageal cancer awareness month, during which Oncoplus Hospital wants to educate patients about esophageal cancer in order to protect them from the symptoms of this cancer. In this blog, you will learn about esophageal cancer.

Types of esophageal cancer:

There are basically two types of esophageal cancer, which are mentioned below.

1. Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the upper part of the esophagus. The main causes of this type of cancer are heavy alcohol consumption, organ transplants, and smoking.

2. Adenocarcinoma.

This cancer develops in the lower part of the esophagus. The causes that increase the risk of developing cancer are chronic acid reflux, chronic heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett’s esophagus.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer

These are some of the symptoms of esophageal cancer. But it is important to visit a doctor if, in any case, you experience any of these symptoms.

1. Difficulty in swallowing, such as feeling of food stuck in the chest.
2. If the patient feels pain or discomfort in the chest or throat,
3. In case the person is losing weight without trying.
4. Loss of appetite
5. Hoarseness or coughing
6. Indigestion in the stomach or heartburn
7. If there is vomiting or the person coughs up blood,

Causes of esophageal cancer

Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer are smoking, use of tobacco, intake of alcohol, obesity, chronic heartburn, and if the person is exposed to chemicals, etc.

How do you diagnose esophageal cancer?

Normally, esophageal cancer is not diagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. Hence, the doctor performs a variety of tests in order to diagnose this cancer. The tests that are performed to diagnose esophageal cancer are as follows:

1. Endoscopy:

In this type of test, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end into the esophagus to look for signs of cancer. With the help of this test, a doctor examines the esophagus and looks for signs of cancer.

2. Biopsy:

In this type of test, doctors use a special scope and pass it down into your esophagus. With this instrument, they remove a small sample of tissue from the esophagus and then examine it under a microscope in order to determine if it is cancerous.

3. Imaging tests:

CT scans, PET scans, or MRI scans may be used to look for signs of cancer in the esophagus or nearby organs.

4. Barium Swallow Study:

In this test, the patient consumes a barium-containing liquid during this research and then undergoes X-rays. The coating of barium inside your esophagus shows changes to the tissue or cells on the X-ray.

Treatment of esophageal cancer:

The treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors, such as the patient’s overall health. Oncoplus Hospital provides the best esophageal cancertreatment to patients who are suffering from this disease. The treatment options that include this type of cancer are as follows:

1. Surgery:

Surgery is used by doctors to remove the cancerous tissue from the patient’s body. This treatment is used if the cancer has not spread beyond the esophagus.

2. Chemotherapy:

In this type of treatment, the doctor uses drugs to kill cancer cells. This therapy can be used in combination with other therapies such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Read More Blog: What Are The Things You Should Know Before Starting Chemotherapy?

3. Radiation therapy:

The therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancerous cells. This therapy can be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

Read More Blog: Treatment Of Cancer With Radiation Therapy

How can you prevent esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a serious disease that can be caused by various factors, including lifestyle choices and environmental factors. The ways to prevent esophageal cancer are as follows:

1. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
2. Limit your intake of alcohol and tobacco.
3. Regular exercise is also important for maintaining a healthy weight, and this also reduces your risk of cancer.
4. Avoid smoking
5. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins.

In conclusion, regular screening and early detection help to prevent esophageal cancer. If you have a family history of the disease or are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or persistent heartburn, it is important to talk to your doctor and undergo appropriate testing. Oncoplus Hospital is the best cancer hospital in Delhi that gives proper cancer care to patients.