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{{Infobox Disease |
__NOTOC__
  Name        = Esophageal cancer |
{{Template:Esophageal cancer (patient information)}}
  Image      = Esophageal adenoca.jpg |
  Caption    = [[Esophagogastroduodenoscopy|Endoscopic]] image of patient with esophageal adenocarcinoma seen at [[gastro-esophageal junction]]. |
  ICD10      = C15 |
  ICD9        = {{ICD9|150}} |
}}


'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Esophageal cancer|here]]'''
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Esophageal cancer|here]]'''


{{SI}}
'''Editor-in-Chief:''' [[C. Michael Gibson]], M.S.,M.D. [mailto:charlesmichaelgibson@gmail.com]  Phone:617-632-7753; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' Jinhui Wu, M.D.
 
'''Editor-in-Chief:''' Jinhui Wu, MD
 
{{EJ}}
 
==What is esophageal cancer?==


==Overview==
Esophageal cancer is not very common in the United States. The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube, starting in the throat and ending at the stomach, and is used to carry the food you swallow to your stomach to be digested. It is hard to detect esophageal cancer in its early stages. Even if you get symptoms, they may not cause you to be alarmed and seek help from your doctor. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include [[dysphagia]], [[chest pain]], [[weight loss]] and coughing up blood. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and laser therapy. Esophageal cancer patients also need nutritional support.
Esophageal cancer is not very common in the United States. The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube, starting in the throat and ending at the stomach, and is used to carry the food you swallow to your stomach to be digested. It is hard to detect esophageal cancer in its early stages. Even if you get symptoms, they may not cause you to be alarmed and seek help from your doctor. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include [[dysphagia]], [[chest pain]], [[weight loss]] and coughing up blood. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and laser therapy. Esophageal cancer patients also need nutritional support.


==How do I know if I have esophageal cancer and what are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?==
==What are the symptoms of Esophageal cancer?==
 
Early stages of esophageal cancer do not display any recognizable symptoms. As the malignant tumors grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Early stages of esophageal cancer do not display any recognizable symptoms. As the malignant tumors grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:


:*[[Dysphagia]]: This is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. It causes problems swallowing, with the feeling like the food is stuck in the throat or chest. At first it is often mild, and then gets worse over time. At last, patients can no longer eat and can only consume water.
*[[Dysphagia]]: This is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. It causes problems swallowing, with the feeling like the food is stuck in the throat or chest. At first it is often mild, but then gets worse over time. At last, patients can no longer eat and can only consume water.


:*[[Chest pain]] or [[chest burning sensation]]: Chest pain with swallowing may occur if the tumor is large enough to block the esophagus. Some patients describe a feeling of pressure or burning in the chest.
*[[Chest pain]] or chest burning sensation: Chest pain with swallowing may occur if the tumor is large enough to block the esophagus. Some patients describe a feeling of pressure or burning in the chest.


:*[[Hiccups]]: This happens because of digestive dysfunction of the esophagus.
*[[Hiccups]]: This happens because of digestive dysfunction of the esophagus.


:*[[Vomiting blood]]: When a tumor invades a blood vessel, vomiting blood occur. This may be the first symptom in some patients.
*[[Vomiting blood]]: When a tumor invades a blood vessel, vomiting up blood occurs. This may be the first symptom in some patients.


:*[[Weight loss]]: This occurs because swallowing problems prevent patients from eating enough to maintain their weight. Other factors include loss of appetite and increase in metabolism from the cancer.
*[[Weight loss]]: This occurs because swallowing problems prevent patients from eating enough to maintain their weight. Other factors include loss of appetite and increase in metabolism from the cancer.


Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms, but only a doctor can give a proper diagnosis. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so their problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.


==Who is at risk for esophageal cancer?==
==What causes Esophageal cancer?==
Esophageal cancer is not very common in the United States. It occurs most often in men over 50 years old.


Studies have found a number of factors that may affect the risk of esophageal cancer. These risk factors are outlined below:
There are two main types of esophageal cancer that exist: [[squamous cell carcinoma]] and [[adenocarcinoma]]. These two types look different microscopically.


:*[[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD): In some people, acid can reflex from the stomach into the esophagus. This disease is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Clinical data show that people with GERD have a 2~16 times higher risk of getting adenocarcinoma of the esophagus than those without GERD.
Squamous cell esophageal cancer is linked to smoking and alcohol consumption.


:*[[Barrett's esophagus]]: Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the squamous cells that usually line the esophagus are replaced with glandular cells when reflux of stomach acid into the lower esophagus continues for a long period of time.
[[Barrett's esophagus]], a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease ([[GERD]]), increases the risk for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. This is the more common type of esophageal cancer. Other risk factors for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus include:


:*[[Achalasia]]: Is a disease in which the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus does not relax properly. As the result, food has trouble in passing into the stomach and tends to collect in the esophagus and the esophagus above this muscle becomes dilated. People with achalasia have a risk of esophageal cancer that is at least 15 times normal.
* Male gender
* Obesity
* Smoking


:*Stomach bacteria: Epidemiological surveys demonstrate patients treated to get rid of H. pylori get adenocarcinoma of the esophagus more often than expected.
==Who is at highest risk?==
Studies have found a number of factors that may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. These risk factors are outlined below:


:*Injury to the esophagus: Chemical such as lye may cause a severe chemical burn in the esophagus. The scar tissue can make esophagus very narrow after the injury heals. People with these narrow esophageal passages have a high rate of the squamous cell type of esophageal cancer after several years.  
*[[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD): In some people, acid can reflex from the stomach into the esophagus. This disease is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Clinical data show that people with GERD have a 2-16 times higher risk of getting adenocarcinoma of the esophagus than those without GERD.


:*Workplace exposures: Clinical surveys show exposure to chemical fumes such as solvents used for dry cleaning may lead to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.  
*[[Barrett's esophagus]]: Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the squamous cells that usually line the esophagus are replaced with glandular cells when reflux of stomach acid into the lower esophagus continues for a long period of time.


:*Tobacco and alcohol
*[[Achalasia]]: This is a disease in which the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus does not relax properly. As the result, food has trouble in passing into the stomach and tends to collect in the esophagus, causing the esophagus above this muscle to become dilated. People with achalasia have a risk of esophageal cancer that is at least 15 times higher than the normal risk.


:*Diet: About 15% of esophageal cancer can be linked to a diet poor in fruits and vegetables.
*Stomach bacteria: Epidemiological surveys demonstrate patients treated to get rid of [[Helicobacter pylori|H. pylori]] often get adenocarcinoma of the esophagus more often than expected.


:*Obesity
*Injury to the esophagus: Chemicals such as [[lye]] may cause a severe chemical burn in the esophagus. The scar tissue can make the esophagus very narrow after the injury heals. People with these narrow esophageal passages have a higher rate of the squamous cell type of esophageal cancer after several years.


:*Gender: Men have a 3-fold higher rate of esophageal cancer than women.
*Workplace exposures: Clinical surveys show exposure to chemical fumes, such as solvents used for dry cleaning, may lead to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.  


:*Age: Most cases occur in those 65 and older.
*Tobacco and alcohol


==How to know you have esophageal cancer?==
*Diet: About 15% of esophageal cancer can be linked to a diet that is poor in fruits and vegetables.


It is hard to diagnose esophageal cancer in its early stages. Other problems can also cause the same symptoms such as stomach discomfort , indigestion swallowing and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). So, if you have those symptoms, you had better go to see your doctor to do some tests. They include lab tests, image tests and endoscopy.
*Obesity


:*Upper endoscopy and biopsy: This is the main test used to diagnose esophageal cancer when people have certain risk factors or when signs and symptoms suggest this disease may be present. After you are sedated (made sleepy), an endoscope which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube is passed down your throat. Then the doctor can view the lining of your esophagus and other digestive tracts. If abnormal areas are noted, biopsies (tissue samples) can be obtained through the endoscope. The tissue samples will be checked by the pathologists under a microscope to see whether cancer is present or not.  
*Gender: Men have a 3-fold higher rate of getting esophageal cancer than women.


:*Barium swallow: This is an x-ray test during which a person is given an injection of a medication that will temporarily slow any bowel movements, so structures can be more easily seen on the x-rays. For this test, the patient drinks a millkshake-like substance called barium. X-ray method called fluroscopy tracks how the barium moves through your esophagus and other digestive tracts such as the stomach, and small intestine. Pictures are taken in a variety of positions.  
*Age: Most cases occur in those 65 years or older.
==Diagnosis==
It is hard to diagnose esophageal cancer in its early stages. Other problems can also cause the same symptoms such as stomach discomfort, indigestion swallowing, and gastroesophageal reflux disease ([[Gastroesophageal reflux disease|GERD]]). If you have those symptoms, it is suggested to go see your doctor to get tests done. The tests may include lab tests, imaging tests, and endoscopy.


:*Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans are often used to diagnose esophageal cancer. It can confirm the location of the cancer and show the organs near the esophagus, as well as lymph nodes and distant organs where the cancer might have spread. These are helpful in staging the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option.  
*[[Upper endoscopy]] and [[biopsy]]: These are the main tests used to diagnose esophageal cancer when people have specific risk factors or when signs and symptoms suggest this disease may be present. After you are sedated (made sleepy), an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube, is passed down your throat. This allows the doctor to view the lining of your esophagus and other digestive tracts. If abnormal areas are noted, biopsies (tissue samples) can be obtained through the endoscope. The tissue samples will be checked by pathologists under a microscope to check whether cancer is present or not.  


:*Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields and is a different imaging type than computed tomography (CT) which produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. MRI scans take longer to perform than CT scans.
*[[Barium swallow]]: This is an x-ray test during which a person is given an injection of a medication that will temporarily slow any bowel movements. It allows structures to be more easily seen on the x-rays. For this test, the patient drinks a milkshake-like substance called barium. An x-ray method called [[fluoroscopy]] tracks how the barium moves through your esophagus and other digestive tracts such as the stomach, and small intestine. Pictures are taken in a variety of positions.  


:*Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues.  This radioactive substance gives off energy which creates the images. PET scans can provide more helpful information than CT or MRI scans. It is used to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and also useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread.
*Computed tomography ([[Computed tomography|CT]]) scan: CT scans are often used to diagnose esophageal cancer. It can confirm the location of the cancer and show the organs near the esophagus, as well as lymph nodes and distant organs where the cancer might have spread. These are helpful in staging the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option.  


==When to seek urgent medical care?==
*Magnetic resonance imaging ([[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]]): An MRI uses magnetic fields and is a different imaging type than computed tomography (CT), which produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture, but MRI scans take longer to perform than CT scans.


Call your health care provider if symptoms of esophageal cancer develop. If experience one or many of the following symptoms you should seek urgent medical care as soon as possible:
*Positron emission tomography ([[Positron emission tomography|PET]]) scan: When performing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues.  This radioactive substance gives off energy which creates the images. PET scans can provide more helpful information than CT or MRI scans. It is also used to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and can be useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread.
==Diseases with similar symptoms==
Other health problems may also cause similar symptoms. Go to see your doctor to verify your diseases as early as possible. Diseases with similar symptoms are listed below:


:*Severe [[dysphagia]]: Esophageal cancer causes problems swallowing and eventually may prevent patients from being able to swallow at all. You need to see the doctor to obtain nutritional support.
*Gastroesophageal reflux disease ([[GERD]])


:*[[Vomiting]] a large amount of blood: This is the result of cancer invading the vessels of esophageal wall. If blood loss is abundant enough it may lead to shock and death.
*[[Barrett's esophagus]]  


==Treatment options==
*[[Esophageal achalasia]]


Patients with esophageal cancer have many treatment options. The selection depends on the size and stage of the tumor. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of methods and palliative treatment.
*Stomach gastritis, [[gastric ulcer]] and [[stomach cancer]]


'''Surgery''': It includes the following methods:
*[[Lung cancer]]


:*Esophagectomy
*[[Depression]]
==When to seek urgent medical care?==
Call your health care provider if symptoms of esophageal cancer develop. If you are experiencing one or several of the following symptoms, you should seek urgent medical care as soon as possible:


:*Different methods of esophagectomy
*Severe [[dysphagia]]: Esophageal cancer causes problems swallowing and eventually may prevent patients from being able to swallow at all. You need to see the doctor to obtain nutritional support.


:*Open esophagectomy
*[[Vomiting]] a large amount of blood: This is the result of cancer invading the vessels of esophageal wall.


:*Minimally invasive esophagectomy
==Treatment options==
Patients with esophageal cancer have many treatment options. The selection depends on the size and stage of the tumor. The options are surgery, [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], or a combination of methods and [[Palliative care|palliative treatment]].


'''Radiation therapy''': This is a cancer treatment that kills cancer cells or keeps them from growing by using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation.
'''Surgery:'''


'''Chemotherapy''': This treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
It includes the following methods:


'''Photodynamic therapy (PDT)'''
*[[Esophagectomy]]


'''Laser ablation '''
*Different methods of esophagectomy


'''Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)'''
*Open esophagectomy


'''Argon plasma coagulation '''
*Minimally invasive esophagectomy


'''Electrocoagulation '''
'''Radiation therapy''': This is a cancer treatment that kills cancer cells or keeps them from growing by using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation.


Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
'''Chemotherapy''': This treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing then multiplying.


==Diseases with similar symptoms==
'''[[Photodynamic therapy]] (PDT)'''
 
Other health problems may also cause similar symptoms. Go to see your doctor to verify your diseases as early as possible. Diseases with similar symptoms are listed below:
 
:*[[Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)]]


:*[[Barrett's esophagus]]  
'''[[Laser ablation]] '''


:*[[Esophageal achalasia]]
'''Radiofrequency ablation ([[Radiofrequency ablation|RFA]])'''


:*[[Stomach gastritis]], [[gastric ulcer]] and [[stomach cancer]]
'''[[Argon plasma coagulation]] '''


:*[[Lung cancer]]
'''[[Electrocoagulation]] '''


:*[[Depression]]
Before starting treatment, ask your health care team about the possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are very common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they also may change from one treatment session to the next.
 
==Where to find medical care for esophageal cancer?==


==Where to find medical care for Esophageal cancer?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|esophageal cancer}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating esophageal cancer]
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|esophageal cancer}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating esophageal cancer]


==Prevention of esophageal cancer==
==Prevention of Esophageal cancer==
 
Epidemiology data shows the following intervention may help to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer:
Epidemiology data shows the following intervention may help to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer:


:*Treating [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) and [[Barrett's esophagus]] early  
*Treating [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) and [[Barrett's esophagus]] early  


:*Prevention of injury to the esophagus
*Prevention of injury to the esophagus


:*Prevention of exposure to chemical fumes
*Prevention of exposure to chemical fumes


:*Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol  
*Avoiding use of tobacco and alcohol  


:*Diet: Have a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
*Diet: Have a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.


:*Avoid obesity
*Avoid obesity
 
==What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?==


==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
The prognosis of esophageal cancer depends on the following:
The prognosis of esophageal cancer depends on the following:


:*The size and location of the tumor
*The size and location of the tumor


:*The stage of the cancer: Whether it affects part of the esophagus, invades the whole esophagus, or has spread to other places in the body.
*The stage of the cancer: Whether it affects part of the esophagus, invades the whole esophagus, or has spread to other places in the body.


:*The patient’s general health
*The patient’s general health


==Sources==
==Sources==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/esophagealcancer.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/esophagealcancer.html
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_esophagus_cancer_12.asp?sitearea=
{{WH}}
{{WH}}
{{WS}}
{{WS}}
[[Category:Patient Information]]
 
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology patient information]]
[[Category:Oncology patient information]]
[[Category:Mature chapter]]
[[Category:Otolaryngology]]
[[Category:Otolaryngology patient information]]
[[Category:Overview complete]]
[[Category:Template complete]]
[[Category:Up-To-Date]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Surgery]]

Latest revision as of 13:05, 12 April 2019

Esophageal cancer

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Esophageal cancer?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Esophageal cancer On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Esophageal cancer

Videos on Esophageal cancer

FDA on Esophageal cancer

CDC on Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer in the news

Blogs on Esophageal cancer

Directions to Hospitals Treating Esophageal cancer

Risk calculators and risk factors for Esophageal cancer

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.

Overview

Esophageal cancer is not very common in the United States. The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube, starting in the throat and ending at the stomach, and is used to carry the food you swallow to your stomach to be digested. It is hard to detect esophageal cancer in its early stages. Even if you get symptoms, they may not cause you to be alarmed and seek help from your doctor. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include dysphagia, chest pain, weight loss and coughing up blood. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and laser therapy. Esophageal cancer patients also need nutritional support.

What are the symptoms of Esophageal cancer?

Early stages of esophageal cancer do not display any recognizable symptoms. As the malignant tumors grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Dysphagia: This is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. It causes problems swallowing, with the feeling like the food is stuck in the throat or chest. At first it is often mild, but then gets worse over time. At last, patients can no longer eat and can only consume water.
  • Chest pain or chest burning sensation: Chest pain with swallowing may occur if the tumor is large enough to block the esophagus. Some patients describe a feeling of pressure or burning in the chest.
  • Hiccups: This happens because of digestive dysfunction of the esophagus.
  • Vomiting blood: When a tumor invades a blood vessel, vomiting up blood occurs. This may be the first symptom in some patients.
  • Weight loss: This occurs because swallowing problems prevent patients from eating enough to maintain their weight. Other factors include loss of appetite and increase in metabolism from the cancer.

Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms, but only a doctor can give a proper diagnosis. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so their problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

What causes Esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is not very common in the United States. It occurs most often in men over 50 years old.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer that exist: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These two types look different microscopically.

Squamous cell esophageal cancer is linked to smoking and alcohol consumption.

Barrett's esophagus, a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), increases the risk for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. This is the more common type of esophageal cancer. Other risk factors for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus include:

  • Male gender
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Who is at highest risk?

Studies have found a number of factors that may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. These risk factors are outlined below:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): In some people, acid can reflex from the stomach into the esophagus. This disease is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Clinical data show that people with GERD have a 2-16 times higher risk of getting adenocarcinoma of the esophagus than those without GERD.
  • Barrett's esophagus: Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the squamous cells that usually line the esophagus are replaced with glandular cells when reflux of stomach acid into the lower esophagus continues for a long period of time.
  • Achalasia: This is a disease in which the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus does not relax properly. As the result, food has trouble in passing into the stomach and tends to collect in the esophagus, causing the esophagus above this muscle to become dilated. People with achalasia have a risk of esophageal cancer that is at least 15 times higher than the normal risk.
  • Stomach bacteria: Epidemiological surveys demonstrate patients treated to get rid of H. pylori often get adenocarcinoma of the esophagus more often than expected.
  • Injury to the esophagus: Chemicals such as lye may cause a severe chemical burn in the esophagus. The scar tissue can make the esophagus very narrow after the injury heals. People with these narrow esophageal passages have a higher rate of the squamous cell type of esophageal cancer after several years.
  • Workplace exposures: Clinical surveys show exposure to chemical fumes, such as solvents used for dry cleaning, may lead to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
  • Tobacco and alcohol
  • Diet: About 15% of esophageal cancer can be linked to a diet that is poor in fruits and vegetables.
  • Obesity
  • Gender: Men have a 3-fold higher rate of getting esophageal cancer than women.
  • Age: Most cases occur in those 65 years or older.

Diagnosis

It is hard to diagnose esophageal cancer in its early stages. Other problems can also cause the same symptoms such as stomach discomfort, indigestion swallowing, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you have those symptoms, it is suggested to go see your doctor to get tests done. The tests may include lab tests, imaging tests, and endoscopy.

  • Upper endoscopy and biopsy: These are the main tests used to diagnose esophageal cancer when people have specific risk factors or when signs and symptoms suggest this disease may be present. After you are sedated (made sleepy), an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube, is passed down your throat. This allows the doctor to view the lining of your esophagus and other digestive tracts. If abnormal areas are noted, biopsies (tissue samples) can be obtained through the endoscope. The tissue samples will be checked by pathologists under a microscope to check whether cancer is present or not.
  • Barium swallow: This is an x-ray test during which a person is given an injection of a medication that will temporarily slow any bowel movements. It allows structures to be more easily seen on the x-rays. For this test, the patient drinks a milkshake-like substance called barium. An x-ray method called fluoroscopy tracks how the barium moves through your esophagus and other digestive tracts such as the stomach, and small intestine. Pictures are taken in a variety of positions.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans are often used to diagnose esophageal cancer. It can confirm the location of the cancer and show the organs near the esophagus, as well as lymph nodes and distant organs where the cancer might have spread. These are helpful in staging the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields and is a different imaging type than computed tomography (CT), which produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture, but MRI scans take longer to perform than CT scans.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: When performing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which creates the images. PET scans can provide more helpful information than CT or MRI scans. It is also used to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and can be useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread.

Diseases with similar symptoms

Other health problems may also cause similar symptoms. Go to see your doctor to verify your diseases as early as possible. Diseases with similar symptoms are listed below:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if symptoms of esophageal cancer develop. If you are experiencing one or several of the following symptoms, you should seek urgent medical care as soon as possible:

  • Severe dysphagia: Esophageal cancer causes problems swallowing and eventually may prevent patients from being able to swallow at all. You need to see the doctor to obtain nutritional support.
  • Vomiting a large amount of blood: This is the result of cancer invading the vessels of esophageal wall.

Treatment options

Patients with esophageal cancer have many treatment options. The selection depends on the size and stage of the tumor. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of methods and palliative treatment.

Surgery:

It includes the following methods:

  • Different methods of esophagectomy
  • Open esophagectomy
  • Minimally invasive esophagectomy

Radiation therapy: This is a cancer treatment that kills cancer cells or keeps them from growing by using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation.

Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing then multiplying.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Laser ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Argon plasma coagulation

Electrocoagulation

Before starting treatment, ask your health care team about the possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are very common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they also may change from one treatment session to the next.

Where to find medical care for Esophageal cancer?

Directions to Hospitals Treating esophageal cancer

Prevention of Esophageal cancer

Epidemiology data shows the following intervention may help to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer:

  • Prevention of injury to the esophagus
  • Prevention of exposure to chemical fumes
  • Avoiding use of tobacco and alcohol
  • Diet: Have a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid obesity

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

The prognosis of esophageal cancer depends on the following:

  • The size and location of the tumor
  • The stage of the cancer: Whether it affects part of the esophagus, invades the whole esophagus, or has spread to other places in the body.
  • The patient’s general health

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/esophagealcancer.html Template:WH Template:WS

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