The esophagus, also known as the food pipe, is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach for digestion. Esophageal cancer usually develops in cells in the esophagus. Although the exact cause of the cancer is not known, it can develop in any part of the esophagus. It is more common in men than in women. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer.
How serious esophageal cancer is depends on where it is in the esophagus, how big it is, whether it has spread, and the person's general health.
What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?
In most cases, symptoms may not be recognized until the cancer has spread. However, there are some symptoms that are common in these cases. One of the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing. The difficulty, which initially occurs as a result of consuming only solid foods, makes liquid intake difficult in the later stages of the disease.
In addition to these, other esophageal cancer symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Involuntary weight loss
- Chest pain, pressure or burning
- Hoarseness or chronic cough
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Weakness and fatigue
If you experience any of the above symptoms, see a specialist immediately. The cure rate is higher when esophageal cancer is detected early. Therefore, complaints should not be ignored.
How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
Esophageal cancer is usually diagnosed when people complain of difficulty swallowing or involuntary weight loss, consult a doctor and undergo some tests. The doctor learns the medical history of the person in detail and performs a physical examination. The doctor may then order some tests based on the complaints and evaluations. The tests that the doctor may deem necessary for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer can be listed as follows:
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is usually the first method of diagnosis. With this method, the doctor observes the inside of the esophagus. If necessary, some samples can be taken for pathological examinations.
Barium Test
A barium test is a test to detect and visualize anatomical differences in the esophagus. The patient drinks a liquid with barium, which allows the esophagus to be easily visualized on an X-ray.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
It is a method to determine whether the cancer has spread to the chest or abdomen.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS)
Sound waves are used to determine whether there are any cancerous cells in the esophagus.
How is esophageal cancer treated?
Esophageal cancer treatment depends on the type, stage and condition of the cancer. The main factor in determining the stage of cancer is the depth of the cancer in the esophagus and its spread to different tissues and lymph nodes.
The most effective treatment method is surgery. However, these operations are highly beneficial in early diagnosis. In the later stages, it is performed as the doctor deems necessary.
The organs where esophageal cancer can often spread are as follows:
- Lymph nodes
- Lung
- Liver
- Bones
Tumors that have not spread, are small, non-cancerous but have a risk of turning into cancer can be treated by endoscopic removal if the doctor deems it necessary.
Tumors that cannot be treated endoscopically can be treated by surgical removal of a part of the esophagus called esophagectomy. In some cases, treatment can be supported with chemotherapy before or after these operations.
Chemotherapy may be administered if the cancer has spread to other organs and lymph nodes. In the later stages of the disease, when there is more spread, treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stents that keep the esophagus open can be applied to improve the patient's quality of life and reduce symptoms such as difficulty swallowing.
What is the Incidence of Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer ranks 6th among cancers seen worldwide and is one of the most common types of cancer. The incidence may vary according to geographical conditions and regions. In our country, it is generally more common in the eastern regions.
Esophageal cancer is usually seen between the ages of 50 and 60. It is about 3 times more common in men than in women. Cancer develops in the middle part in about 50 percent of cases, in the lower part in one third of cases and in the upper part in the rest.