Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus- a long hollow tube which connects with the throat to stomach. Basically, it helps to take the swallowed food from the throat to stomach for digestion. There are two major types of Esophageal Cancer: Adenocarcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer is more likely with the people consuming tobacco or alcohol and also with the people of older age from 60-70.
Indications of Esophageal Cancer:
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Chest pain or burning
- Hoarseness
- Worsening indigestion
Causes
Esophageal cancer occurs when cells in the oesophagus develop some mutations in the DNA. Then those mutations make the cells grow and divide out of control which ultimately forms a tumour in an esophagus. There are also several risk factors which cause to develop esophageal cancer.
Major risk factors of Esophageal Disorder:
- Having gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption
- Having precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus)
- HPV infection
Prevention: An individual should control over their smoking and drinking habits, and should exercise daily in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Treatment of Esophageal Disorder:
Treatment options depend on various factors- including the stage of cancer, possible side effects and also on the patient’s preferences.
Paras Hospital-The Cancer Centre is contributing its best in curing such cancers by providing the best possible treatment methods under the guidance of their multidisciplinary team. The major treatment methods followed by them are listed below:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Endoscopic therapy
- Targeted therapy
An individual may discuss all the above treatment options and their possible side effects with the doctor in order to take the right decision for their treatment.
