Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells lining the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer typically starts in the inner layer of cells and can grow and spread to other parts of the body.
There are two main types of esophageal cancer:
1.Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer develops in the thin, flat cells that line the upper part of the esophagus.
2.Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer develops in the glandular cells that are found in the lower part of the esophagus.
Symptoms
The symptoms of esophageal cancer can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Unintended weight loss
- Hoarseness in throat
- Persistent Coughing
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Vomiting
Causes
There are several factors known to increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
- Esophageal cancer is more common in people over the age of 50.
- Men are more likely than women to develop esophageal cancer.
- Smoking or using other tobacco products increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
- Drinking alcohol in excess can damage the lining of the esophagus and increase the risk of cancer.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Barrett's esophagus
- Being overweight or obese increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
- Having a family history of esophageal cancer
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of esophageal cancer usually involves several tests, including:
- Endoscopy.
- Biopsy
- Imaging tests such as CT scans, PET scans etc
- Blood tests
The main treatment options for esophageal cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove the cancerous tissue and nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the location and extent of the cancer, different types of surgery may be used, including esophagectomy (removal of part or all of the esophagus), gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach), or a combination of the two.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target certain proteins or other molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs to stimulate the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
- Palliative care: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer.
What to expect after treatment
Generally, patients can expect to experience some pain, discomfort, and fatigue for several weeks following the procedure.
Here are some common things that you can expect after esophageal cancer surgery:
1.Hospital Stay: After the surgery, you will stay in the hospital for a few days, typically 5-10 days, depending on the extent of the surgery and how quickly you recover.
2.Pain Management: You will likely experience pain or discomfort at the incision site or the chest area. Pain management is an important part of recovery, and you will receive pain medication as needed.
3.Diet Changes: After surgery, your doctor may advise you to stick to a soft or liquid diet for a while. It may take some time for you to adjust to eating normally again.
4.Physical Therapy: Depending on the extent of the surgery and how long you were in the hospital, you may need physical therapy to help you regain your strength and mobility.
5.Follow-Up Care: After the surgery, you will have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of cancer recurrence.
