Esophageal cancer
The esophagus is a long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Men are more prone to esophageal cancer and it’s the 6th most common cause of death.
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Chest pain or burning
- Heartburn
- Coughing
Types
- Adenocarcinoma
- Starts in the cells of mucus-secreting glands of the esophagus
- Common in the lower portion of the esophagus
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Starts on the surface of the esophagus
- Common in the upper & middle part of the esophagus
- Other rare types
- Some rare forms of esophageal cancer include small-cell carcinoma, sarcoma lymphoma, melanoma, and choriocarcinoma.
Risk factors
- Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Smoking
- Having precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus)
- Being obese
- Drinking alcohol
- Having bile reflux
- Having difficulty swallowing because of an esophageal sphincter that won’t relax (achalasia)
- Having a steady habit of drinking very hot liquids
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
- Undergoing radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen
Complications
- Obstruction of the esophagus
- Pain
- Bleeding in the esophagus
Treatment
Surgery
- Surgery to remove very small tumors – the cancerous part is removed along with some healthy tissue from its surroundings.
- Surgery to remove a portion of the esophagus (esophagectomy) – a portion of the esophagus is removed along with some part of the upper stomach and lymph nodes.
- Surgery to remove part of your esophagus and the upper portion of your stomach (esophagogastrectomy) – a large part of the stomach is removed along with the part of the esophagus and lymph nodes.
Radiation
- High-beam energy is used to kill cancer cells.
- Sometimes it is combined with chemotherapy as a primary treatment.
- It is also used after surgery to lower the risk of reoccurrence.
Chemotherapy
- In this procedure, chemicals are used to kill cancerous cells.
- Given through IV or orally as a pill.
- Often combined with radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy
- Usually combined with chemotherapy.
- Specific weakness of the cancer cells is targeted with drugs to kill them.
Immunotherapy
- Cancer cells are targeted by using the immune system.
- Very helpful when other treatments are not working.
Prevention
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Maintain a healthy weight
Role of Parishay Healthcare in Planning Esophageal Cancer Treatment!
After you contact us, a relationship manager is allocated to you who arranges a teleconsultation with an excellent healthcare provider according to your need. After your consent, we move forward with your untroubled travel arrangements, treatment plan, and follow-up care.
For more information visit our website www.parishayafrica.com
