Signs and Symptoms Of Esophageal Cancer

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Weight loss without trying
• Chest pain, pressure, or burning
• Chronic cough or hoarseness

Types of Esophageal Cancer

There are two main types of esophageal cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma: This type starts in the mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. It usually occurs in the lower portion of the esophagus.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This type originates in the flat, thin cells that line the esophagus. It usually occurs in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus.

When to Consult a Doctor

Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that can manifest through symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and persistent chest pain. If you experience any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Meet with Dr. Arvind Kumar, one of the best esophageal cancer doctors in Delhi, offering expert care.

Causes

The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown, but it is associated with certain risk factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and chronic acid reflux (GERD).

Risk Factors Involved in Esophageal Cancer

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Chronic reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can damage its lining, increasing cancer risk.
• Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking, particularly in combination with smoking, heightens the risk.
• Barrett's esophagus: A condition where the cells lining the lower esophagus change due to long-term acid exposure, increasing the risk of adenocarcinoma.

Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis

To diagnose esophageal cancer, the following methods may be used:

• Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted down your throat to view the esophagus and obtain a biopsy if necessary.
• Barium swallow: X-rays are taken after you swallow a barium solution, which helps highlight abnormalities in the esophagus.
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken during endoscopy to confirm the presence of cancer.

Stages of Esophageal Cancer

The stages of esophageal cancer range from 0 to 4, indicating the extent of cancer spread:

Stage 0: Abnormal cells are found only in the innermost layer of the esophagus.

Stage 1: Cancer has formed and is found in the outer layers of the esophagus wall.

Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the deeper layers of the esophagus wall or nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the outermost layers of the esophagus wall or nearby tissues.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Treatment Of Esophageal Cancer

Surgical Intervention

Depending on the cancer stage, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Esophagectomy: The removal of part or all of the esophagus. The remaining esophagus is reconnected to the stomach.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection: Early-stage cancers can sometimes be removed through an endoscope.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and surgery.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic changes in cancer cells. Medications like trastuzumab may be used for esophageal cancer if the cancer cells have certain genetic markers.

Post-Treatment Care

After treatment, regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor recovery and detect any recurrence of cancer. Dietary changes, physical rehabilitation, and emotional support may be necessary to improve quality of life after esophageal cancer treatment.