Esophageal Cancer starts in the cells of the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that leads from the back of the mouth (pharynx) to the stomach. It sits between the spine and the lungs. The muscles of the esophagus move in rhythmic waves to push food and drink to the stomach. The point where the esophagus joins the stomach is called the gastroesophageal junction. The muscles at the junction prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing back up into the esophagus.
Cancer of the esophagus may develop anywhere along the length of the esophagus.
There are 2 main types :
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Squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the squamous cells that line the esophagus.
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Adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular cells of the lower third of the esophagus or in cells that have been damaged by acid backing up from the stomach.
Causes & Risk Factors of Esophageal Cancer :
*Age – Esophageal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older, over age 60.
*Sex – Cancer of the esophagus is more common in men than in women.
*Tobacco / Alcohol Use – Chronic and/or heavy use of alcohol is another major risk factor.
*Barrett’s Esophagus –
*Medical History
Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer :
Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: difficult or painful swallowing, severe weight loss, pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades, chronic cough, Vomiting and / or Coughing up blood.
Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer :
Barium Swallow or Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) X-rays
Upper Endoscopy for Esophageal Cancer
Endoscopic Ultrasound for Esophageal Cancer
Bronchoscopy for Esophageal Cancer
Positron Emission Tomography for Esophageal Cancer
Thoracoscopy and Laparoscopy for Esophageal Cancer
Biopsy for Esophageal Cancer
Other diagnostic procedures include a CT Scan and an MRI
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