Risks factors for oesophageal cancer

 

Like the name already implies-esophageal cancer is malignant process located somewhere on the esophagus- also known as food pipe! There are several different subtypes of these esophageal tumors but they all usually lead to dysphagia- difficulty swallowing, pain and other symptoms. The histological type could be only diagnosed with biopsy! What’s also characteristic- although much less well known than lung cancer, but no less serious, esophageal cancer starts in the inner layer of the esophagus. Esophagus is the 10-inch long tube that connects patient’s throat and stomach. Big problem is that the outlook for people with esophageal cancer was poor. Only positive thing about all this is that these last could of years survival rates have improved, mostly because close monitoring of Barrett's esophagus- one serious, premalignant complication of acid reflux disease.

Experts from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are saying that esophageal cancer is the third most common cancer of the digestive tract and the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Statistical data are saying that incidence of the disease is highest in men over the age of 50 but it is also proven that it varies considerably according to geographic location. It is more common in northern China, northern Iran, and southern republics of the former Soviet Union, and is less common in Japan, Great Britain, Europe and Canada. In the United States, incidence is highest in urban areas and overall incidence is about 5 in 100,000.

 

Big diagnostic problem of this oesophageal cancer is that it's extremely unusual to have signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer in the early stages of the disease. When cancer is more advanced, it may be late for any kind of treatment, but only then- some of the fallowing signs could be present:

Patients should know that this is probably the most common symptom of esophageal cancer! Only problem is that this sign usually doesn't appear until a tumor has grown large enough to narrow patient’s esophagus to about half its normal width. The fact is that, in this stadium- patient will probably not be able to swallow, chewing more slowly and carefully or switching to softer foods.  

It is important to point out that this severe weight loss is unintentional! It is logical to assume that, as eating becomes more difficult; patient may not consume enough calories to maintain weight. Not only that- cancer in general can cause weight loss and muscle wasting because it changes the way your body metabolizes nutrients. That’s why- great majority of patients looks pretty skinny and unhealthy in the late stages of disease!

Experts are saying that pain is also a common symptoms and that it can be located on different places! Sometimes it is located in patient’s throat, sometimes in mid-chest or between shoulder blades. Although not common, patients sometimes might have pain when they swallow or discomfort or burning behind breastbone.

Hoarseness, a chronic cough and sometimes coughing of blood is also a common symptoms and it is characteristic that these symptoms usually don't appear until cancer is quite advanced.

 

Like it has already been told before, there are several different types of oesophageal cancer. Patient should know that this form of cancer can occur almost anywhere along the length of the esophagus and that’s how it is classified- according to the types of cells in which it originates. Most common forms are:

Every patient should know a bit about this type of carcinoma because it is the most common esophageal cancer in black Americans and the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide. Experts are saying that this form of cancer develops in the flat squamous cells that line the esophagus

This form of cancer arises in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus nearest the stomach. It is proven that it is more common in white than in black Americans, and is the fastest increasing cancer in the United States.

Beside these squamous cell and adenocarcinoma, there are also some other but rare forms of the disease. These include sarcoma, lymphoma, small cell carcinoma and spindle cell carcinoma.  

 

Several researches done in the past have shown that greatest risk factors for esophageal cancer are:

 

Other factors that may increase chances of developing esophageal cancer include:

·          Age.

It is proven that risk of developing esophageal cancer increases as a person grow older and that’s why- most people with the disease are between 45 and 70.  

Several statistical researches done in the past have shown that men are far more likely to develop esophageal cancer than women are.

Like it was been already told- it is proven that squamous esophageal cancer affects more black Americans than it does whites, whereas whites have much higher rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma than blacks do.  

Every person should know that it the diet is low in fruits and vegetables, or we are talking about case of overweighed person, the risk of esophageal cancer is increased.

Not so long time ago- some researches have confirmed the fact that women with breast cancer who have radiation treatments have an increased risk of esophageal cancer.  

 

 

The most common complication of esophageal cancer is difficult swallowing. Other complications of esophageal cancer include:

It is proven that about 50 percent of the people with esophageal cancer experience severe weight loss and weakness. Of course, we are talking about unintended weight loss!

Patients should know that the most serious complication of esophageal cancer is cancer metastasis! Big problem is that esophageal tumors are rarely discovered in the early stages and that’s why they often have spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of body.

This occurs when a tumor creates a hole between your esophagus and windpipe, leading to coughing and gagging when you swallow.

 

Important thing to know is that surgical operation is possible if the disease is localized. This is the case in 20-30% of all patients. The operation is called the esophagectomy and it is about the removal of a segment of the esophagus. It is logical to assume that this shortens the distance between the throat and the stomach, some other segment of the digestive tract is placed in the chest cavity and interposed.  

Everyone should know that laser therapy is the use of high-intensity light to destroy tumor cells. Good thing is that it can be pointed to affects only the treated area. This is typically done if the cancer cannot be removed by surgery. The relief of a blockage can help to reduce dysphagia and pain.  

Chemotherapy is also a very good and effective treatment option and it depends on the tumor type. It is important to know that it tends to be cisplatin-based every three weeks with fluorouracil (5-FU) either continuously or every three weeks. Chemotherapy may be given in different time- some are given after surgery, before surgery (neoadjuvant) or if surgery is not possible; in this case, cisplatin and 5-FU are used. It could be extremely helpful method of treatment, especially if used with other treatment options!  

Almost everyone knows that radiotherapy is used now for many years and it is shown to be a highly effective cancer treatment option, although- not with no side effects! Every patient should know that this form of therapy can be given before, during or after chemotherapy or surgery, and sometimes on its own to control symptoms. In patients with localized disease but contraindications to surgery, one special form of radiotherapy called the "radical radiotherapy" may be used with curative intent, instead of operation!