Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the organ called "oesophagus", which provides the connection between the throat and the stomach and transports swallowed food to the stomach. 

It is also called esophageal cancer. It occurs as a result of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells here. Although it is not in the first place among the types of cancer seen in men and women, it is a serious disease. The incidence in men is 2 times higher than in women. The incidence increases with age and is more common in people over the age of 65.

Esophageal cancer can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chest pain, hoarseness and cough. In advanced stages, the cancer may spread to other organs (metastasis). It is a fatal disease when left untreated.

What are the symptoms of Esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer can manifest itself with a series of symptoms that become especially evident in advanced stages. However, these symptoms may initially be mild and may be similar to other health problems. Here are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer:

• Swallowing Problems: Oesophageal cancer can often cause difficulty swallowing. There may be pain or a feeling of sticking when swallowing food and drinks.
• Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the chest area, especially along the oesophagus, is a common symptom. This pain may increase over time.
• Weight Loss: Weight loss is a common symptom in people with esophageal cancer. Weight loss may occur due to loss of appetite and feeding difficulties.
• Hiccups and Foreign Body Sensation in the Throat: Esophageal cancer can cause hiccups and foreign body sensation in the throat. These symptoms may be caused by oesophageal obstruction.
• Bloody Saliva or Bloody Vomiting: Esophageal cancer can cause bleeding in advanced stages. In this case, bloody saliva or bloody vomiting may occur.
• Hoarseness: Oesophageal cancer can affect the nerves and put pressure on the vocal cords and cause hoarseness.
• Cough and Breathing Problems: Since esophageal cancer is located close to the lungs, it can cause symptoms such as breathing problems and cough.
• Sore Throat: People with esophageal cancer may often experience a feeling of sore throat.

The severity and combination of symptoms may vary from individual to individual. When these symptoms are encountered, it is important to contact a health professional immediately and have the necessary tests done. Early diagnosis can contribute to the effective treatment of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors

Esophageal cancer is a disease that is affected by many factors. Some risk factors can be controlled, while others cannot. The main ones are as follows:

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Excessive consumption of hot food and beverages
• Unhealthy nutrition
• Obesity
• Age
• Gender
• Race and ethnicity
• Family history

These factors can be effective individually, but in combination they can increase the risk even more. Although not all of the factors involved in the development of esophageal cancer are fully understood, it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce these risk factors.

How Can Esophageal Cancer Be Prevented?

Oesophageal cancer is a disease that is affected by many factors. Although there is no definite prevention method for cancer, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk. Smoking and alcohol use are among the most important factors that increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting or completely stopping alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the risk.

A diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of oesophageal cancer. Orange and green leafy vegetables in particular are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene and may help prevent the formation of cancer cells. Excessively hot foods and drinks can also irritate the oesophageal tissue and lead to cancer. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that causes stomach acid to escape back into the esophagus. This can lead to irritation and inflammation of the oesophageal tissue, which can lead to cancer. Treating this condition can help reduce this risk. Regular exercise is beneficial for general health and can also reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

How is Esophageal Cancer Treated?

The treatment of esophageal cancer is determined depending on the patient's general health condition, stage, size, and type of cancer. The treatment plan may usually include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods. Among oesophageal cancer treatment options, surgical intervention includes an operation called oesophagectomy. This operation involves removing part or all of the esophagus, and the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes are checked during the operation.

Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy radiation to kill or control the growth of cancer cells. Radiotherapy can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant). Palliative radiotherapy may also be used to relieve symptoms or shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to kill cancer cells or control their growth. In the treatment of oesophageal cancer, it can be administered before or after surgery, in combination with radiotherapy, or alone. Chemotherapy systemically targets cancer cells in the body.

Targeted therapies aim to target specific characteristics of cancer cells. These treatments are often combined with other treatments and offer a personalized approach. Endoscopic treatments can also be used in some cases. These treatments aim to shrink the tumor or relieve symptoms. For more information about this disease, please contact Medwide using the contact details.