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Esophageal cancer Causes and Risks:
The causes of this type of cancer are unknown, but there seems to be an association with chronic irritation from smoking and alcohol consumption . There is an increased incidence in people with other cancers of the nose and throat and in Barrett's esophagus , a complication of the repeated regurgitation of food (reflux). It occurs most often in people over 50 years old and occurs more frequently in men. The incidence is 8 out of 100,000 people.
Prevention:
Controlling the risk factors of smoking and alcohol consumption may play a role in prevention.
Surveillance EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and biopsy in people with Barrett's esophagus may lead to early detection and improved survival.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
Surgical or endoscopic treatment (using an endoscope, which is a device with a light that can be used to look at the inside of a body cavity) can alleviate some of the symptoms. The esophagus may be dilated and prosthetic tubes may be inserted to aid with swallowing. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may improve the course of the disease and length of survival.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group .
Prognosis:
The probable outcome is poor, with a 5 to 10% cure rate. Early detection may improve the chance of a good outcome. The early stage of the disease may rarely be cured by partial surgical removal (resection).
Complications:
- severe weight loss resulting from inadequate food intake
- spread of the tumor to other areas of the body
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if difficulty with swallowing persists that is not attributed to other causes, or if other symptoms develop that may indicate esophageal cancer.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
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