Treatment of Esophageal Cancer
What is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer ranks as the fourth most common gastrointestinal cancer. Cancer of the esophagus begins when the cells grow out of control in the lining of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is classified into one of two main groups based on their characteristics and features: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Throughout the past few decades, the esophageal adenocarcinoma has significantly increased in the United States, while the cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma have decreased.
For squamous cell carcinoma, cancer cells begin in the inner layer of the esophagus (the mucosa), which are lined with squamous cells. This type of cancer most commonly begins in the neck region or in the upper-thirds of the chest cavity. Currently, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for less than 30% of esophageal cancers in the country.
Cancer cells that begin in the gland cells are referred to as adenocarcinoma. This type of esophageal cancer is typically located in the lower third of the esophagus. In conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, gland cells begin replacing the squamous cells in the lower part of the esophagus, and this can lead to adenocarcinoma.
What causes esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells within the esophagus develop a change in their DNA. In tumor cells, changes to the DNA give the cell different instructions, therefore, causing an increase in growth and the spread of tumor cells. Although the exact cause is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified that may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
What are the risk factors for esophageal cancer?
The chance of being diagnosed with esophageal cancer increases with age. Less than 15% of esophageal cancer cases are found in individuals younger than 55. Factors that may increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma include the following:
- Smoking.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables.
- Obesity.
- Tylosis or Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
- Personal history of other cancers.
- Injury to the esophagus.
Factors that may increase the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma include the following:
- Barrett’s esophagus.
- Smoking.
- High body mass index.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or reflux.
What are the signs of esophageal cancer ?
Most people with esophageal cancer are diagnosed because of their presenting symptoms. It’s rare for patients to be diagnosed with this cancer without symptoms. Having trouble swallowing is one of the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer. The other common symptoms of esophageal cancer are:
- Trouble swallowing.
- Chest pain.
- Weight loss.
- Hoarseness.
- Chronic cough.
- Vomiting.
- Bone pain.
- Bleeding into the esophagus.
Having one or more of the symptoms listed does not mean you have esophageal cancer; however, if you have any of these symptoms, especially trouble swallowing, it’s important to contact your doctor or health care professional.
Can you screen for esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer cannot be prevented; however, if you have been diagnosed with Barrett esophagus, screening may be an option for you. Screening typically involves the assessment and exam of the esophagus to examine for signs of cancer. If you have Barrett esophagus, ask your healthcare provider about esophageal cancer screening.
What are treatment options for esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer treatment often involves surgery - known as esophagectomy - to remove the cancer and some of the surrounding tissue. If the cancer has not spread, removing the esophagus (and nearby lymph nodes) can cure the cancer. In the fight against cancer, early detection is an important weapon, since cancer is most treatable in its early stages.
New treatment options are also being studied in clinical trials. Depending on the stage of the esophageal cancer, different types of treatments can be combined at the same time. Speaking with a cancer expert will allow you to find the best treatment option for you.
Information includes esophageal cancer, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.