Esophageal Cancer

The esophagus is a 25 cm long muscular tube connecting the mouth to stomach and its wall is composing a series of muscles. The two layers of tissue are known as the mucosa and submucosa, where most cancers of the esophagus develop. The cancer that develops in the muscle tissues of the esophagus is known as esophageal cancer.

Cancer develops in esophagus and it can spread to other parts of the body as well. It develops in the forms of benign tumor and malignant tumor. Tumor means abnormal growth of cell and it can be benign and malignant form. Uncontrolled cell growth is seen in benign tumor without any invasion into normal tissues and without any spread. In a malignant tumor, cells increase the susceptibility to invade tissues and spread to the area as well as to distant parts of the body. Thus it is called esophageal cancer when cells in the lining of the esophagus grow uncontrollably invading normal tissues and spreading to other parts of the body.

Types of Esophageal Cancer :

The types of esophageal cancer are :

  • Squamous Cell Carcinomas : When cancer develops in the inner lining (mucosa) of the upper esophagus, it is called Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancer occurs in the squamous cells. Vast majority of esophageal cancer develops in this inner lining.
  • Adenocarcinoma : When cancer develops in the lower esophagus, it is called adenocarcinoma. The lining of the lower esophagus contains some glands and cancer occurs in this part.

However the previous stage of the squamous and adenocarcinoma are named as precancerous lesions, called carcinoma-in-situ. If this cancer has no invasion qualities, there is no risk. Another precursor to cancer in esophagus is termed as Barrett's esophagus in medical dictionary.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer :

Smoking and alcohol use are risk factors for this types of cancer. Compared to non-smokers and non-drinkers, smokers and drinkers are more vulnerable to this cancer. The symptoms of esophageal cancer are

  • Chest pain can occur in patients
  • Irritating sensation with breathing (especially with deep breaths), and hoarseness.
  • Heartburn
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Inability to swallow solid foods (eventually liquids also)
  • Pain with swallowing
  • Food sticking in esophagus
  • Weight loss
  • Regurgitation of undigested food
  • Vomiting blood or passing old blood with bowel movements

Treatments of Esophageal Cancer :

Before treatments of esophageal cancer, the diagnosis is done. The procedures of diagnosis are Endoscopy, Barium x-rays, Computed tomography and CT scan. After the test if esophageal cancer is proven, the doctors start the procedure of treating Esophageal Cancer. Unlike any cancer, the treatment depends on the stage of cancer, whether it is severe or not. If cancer is not spread to other parts of body, a surgery can remove the cancer cells of esophagus. If it is spread to other parts of body, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are done.

Our expert team along with expert facilities from Apollo Hospital provides quality treatment of esophageal cancer at an affordable price. Cancer treatment is now a part of medical treatments in India. Apollo is renowned for its cancer treatment all over the world. One will get free consultation from the experts and they need not wait for the waiting periods.

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