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Additional Information
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Esophageal cancer is a disease in
which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the
esophagus.
The esophagus is
the hollow, muscular tube that moves food and liquid from
the throat to the stomach.
The wall of the esophagus is made up of several layers of
tissue,
including mucous membrane, muscle, and connective tissue.
Esophageal cancer starts
at the inside lining of the esophagus and spreads outward
through the other layers as it grows.
The two most common forms of esophageal cancer
are named for the type of cells that
become malignant (cancerous):
- Squamous
cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous
cells, the thin, flat cells lining the esophagus.
This cancer is most often found in the upper and middle
part of the esophagus, but can occur anywhere along the
esophagus. This is also called epidermoid
carcinoma.
- Adenocarcinoma:
Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory)
cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the esophagus poduce
and release fluids such as mucus.
Adenocarcinomas usually form in the lower part of the esophagus,
near the stomach.
Smoking, heavy alcohol
use, and Barrett’s esophagus can affect the risk
of developing esophageal cancer.
Risk
factors include the following:
- Tobacco use.
- Heavy alcohol use.
- Barrett’s
esophagus: A condition in which the cells lining
the lower part of the esophagus have changed or been
replaced with abnormal cells
that could lead to cancer of the esophagus. Gastric reflux
(the backing up of stomach contents into the lower section
of the esophagus) may irritate the esophagus and, over
time, cause Barrett’s esophagus.
- Older age.
- Being male.
- Being African-American.
The most common
signs of esophageal cancer are painful or difficult swallowing
and weight loss.
These and other symptoms may be caused by esophageal
cancer or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted
if any of the following problems occur:
- Painful or difficult swallowing.
- Weight loss.
- Pain behind the breastbone.
- Hoarseness and cough.
- Indigestion and heartburn.
Tests that examine the esophagus
are used to detect (find) and diagnose esophageal cancer.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Chest x-ray: An x-ray of
the organs and
bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy
beam that can go through the body and onto film, making
a picture of areas inside the body.
- Barium
swallow: A series of x-rays of the esophagus and
stomach. The patient drinks a liquid that contains barium (a
silver-white metallic compound). The liquid coats the
esophagus and x-rays are taken. This procedure is also
called an upper
GI series.
- Esophagoscopy:
A procedure to look inside the esophagus to check for abnormal
areas. An esophagoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted
through the mouth or nose and down the throat into the esophagus.
Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be
viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
The biopsy is usually done during an esophagoscopy. Sometimes
a biopsy shows changes in the esophagus that are not cancer
but may lead to cancer.
Certain factors
affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance
of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of
the cancer (whether it affects part of the esophagus, involves
the whole esophagus, or has spread to other places in the
body).
- The size of the tumor.
- The patient’s general health.
When esophageal cancer is found very early,
there is a better chance of recovery. Esophageal cancer is
often in an advanced stage when it is diagnosed.
At later stages, esophageal cancer can be treated but rarely
can be cured. Taking part in one of the clinical
trials being done to improve treatment should be considered.
Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from
the NCI Web site.
To read the rest of this great article from the National
Cancer Institute, please click here: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/esophageal/patient
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Additional
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