Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal
Cancer involves the organ called esophagus.
Esophagus is a muscular tube that joins the mouth and the
stomach. Most common region where cancer develops in esophagus is
the lining. Degeneration of squamous cells, which constitutes most
of lining, leads into a malignant
tumor and is called squamous cell cancer.
Towards the bottom of the esophagus, where it joins the stomach
is lined with columnar cells. Esophageal Cancer (malignant) of such
columnar cells is known as adenocarcinomas. Compared to cancers
of breast, lung,
and prostate
esophageal cancer is less common. On average 12,000 to 18,000 new
cases appear every year in the US. Esophageal cancer is most common
in people in the age range of 50’s – 70’s.
Factors:
Heavy
use of alcohol, tobacco
smoking increases chances of developing squamous cell cancer.
People who suffer from esophageal diseases, human papilloma virus
are also at increased risk of developing cancer.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty in swallowing,
sticking of food before reaching the stomach. In extreme cases even
liquid is hard to swallow. It may cause weight
loss, regurgitation of undigested food, and blood in vomit.
Treatment:
As with any other forms
of cancer, treatment depends upon how early the esophageal cancer
is diagnosed. If the cancer hasn’t spread it is possible to
surgically remove the tumor from the esophagus. If it has spread
then chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the most common treatment.