Esophageal Cancer

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer, also referred to cancer of the esophagus, occurs when malignant tumors form inside the esophagus. The esophagus is a major part of the digestive tract and actually connects the throat to the stomach. The muscular walls of the esophagus work to push food down once it is swallowed and glands in the esophagus keep it moist in order to make swallowing easier. Like all other organs in the body, the esophagus is also made up of thousands of healthy cells. Cancer of the esophagus occurs when the cells become abnormal, start to multiply and metastasize and eventually form malignant tumors that are referred to as cancer.

Esophageal Cancer Statistics

There are over 15000 new cases of esophageal cancer diagnosed each year, most of which are men. About 13000 die each year from the esophageal cancer and most diagnosed with the disease die within five years of being diagnosed. The five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with localized cancer, meaning that it has not spread to other parts of the body, is only about 34%. Only about 16% of those diagnosed with metastasized esophageal cancer make the five-year mark, since at this point there aren’t many treatment options. It is estimated that there will be 15560 new cases diagnosed in 2007, which is a steady increase over the past few years.

Causes of Esophageal Cancer

There are many different factors that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer, including age, sex and certain lifestyle habits. Men who are over the age of 60 are at very high risk of developing cancer, especially those who engage in tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. A past medical history including head and neck cancers can also increase the risk, since most cancer survivors are more susceptible to developing cancer in other parts of the body. Frequent heartburn and acid reflux disease sometimes irritate the esophagus and weaken its muscles, which makes it more vulnerable to cell changes and tumors. Poor diet, diseases that weaken the immune system and radiation from previous cancers can also cause esophageal cancer to develop, yet it can be prevented by choosing healthy lifestyle habits such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco and eating a healthy diet.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

The most common symptom associated with esophageal cancer is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Pain during swallowing can also occur, but fluids and soft foods can normally be easily tolerated. Patients with esophageal cancer have difficulty eating hard and dry foods such as bread or crackers, since the lining of their esophagus is no longer moist like it should be. Tumors sometimes develop once the cancer has been in the body for a long period of time and can cause nausea and vomiting by reversing the swallowing reflex. Blood sometimes occurs when the surfaces of tumors become irritated and breathing problems such as pneumonia are also very common. When the disease spreads to other organs, additional complications such as jaundice can occur in patients with low immune systems.

Treatment Options for Esophageal Cancer

Surgery is the first option that is considered when esophageal cancer is diagnosed, but can only be done if the tumor is localized and has not spread throughout other parts of the body. Chemotherapy and radiation is also used, especially when the tumor cannot be removed by surgery. Feeding tubes are normally used during the treatment for the tumor, but some patients have to feed themselves through tubes that go directly to their stomachs since swallowing can be very painful. Laser therapy is a new treatment option that works to target only the affected area and is sometimes done when surgery isn’t an option. Removing the tumors can lessen the pain the patient feels, but most cases require chemotherapy and radiation to ensure all cancer cells are destroyed.

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