Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer


Esophageal Cancer - Types, Symptoms, Treatment in India

The esophagus is the long, muscular, hollow tube-like structure that runs from the throat to the stomach. This structure carries the food you eat to your stomach, to be digested. Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the inner linings of the esophagus. These cancer cells can develop anywhere in the esophagus, and they are more commonly seen in men.

As the cancerous tumor grows, it can affect the underlying muscle and tissue of the esophagus. This type of cancer can also occur at the meeting point of the stomach and the esophagus. The esophagus is the 6th most common lethal form of cancer, but the number of concurrences varies region-wise. In some areas, people are more prone to using tobacco and alcohol, which raises the risks of the disease occurring. This deadly disease can be dealt with using treatment procedures, which increases life expectancy and improves the quality of life for cancer patients. Esophageal cancer treatment in India for those who want quality treatment at affordable rates.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

The two mains types of esophageal cancer are:

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of cancer occurs in the cells lining the walls of the esophagus. The upper and middle parts of the esophagus display signs of cancer.
  • Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer mainly affects the lower regions of the esophagus. It develops in the tissue that produces mucus to aid in swallowing.

Causes of Esophageal cancer

It is not known exactly what it is that causes esophageal cancer. However, scientists believe that there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of you getting esophageal cancer. Drinking alcohol and smoking may harm the cells that form the lining of the esophagus, and this might increase your chances of getting the disease. There are several other ways the DNA in the cells can get damaged, such as through acid reflux, achalasia, Barret’s esophagus, Plummer-Vinson syndrome, or due to intaking lye.

The DNA contains instructions that tell the cells what to do. We inherit the DNA from our parents, and this causes us to look like them. Moreover, DNA determines how cells grow, divide, and die. Genes known as oncogenes are responsible for the cells to grow, divide, and survive, while tumor suppressor genes prevent the cells from multiplying out of control, and makes them die. Abnormalities in the DNA may cause either type of genes to activate or shut down erratically.

Esophageal sarcoma cell DNA often shows changes in several genes, however, it is not entirely clear whether there are specific gene changes that are found in this type of cancer. Many forms of cancer are caused by inherited DNA mutations, but for this type of cancer, that doesn't seem to be a deciding factor.

There are several other risk factors like obesity, and not eating vegetables and fruits. It is more common in people of African descent, and being older than 45 increases your chances of getting this disease. So many people from the African continent opt for esophageal cancer treatment in India.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

symptoms-of-esophageal-cancer

If you notice yourself displaying esophageal cancer symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and get esophageal cancer treatment. Some of the common symptoms are:

  • Difficulty while swallowing
  • Loss of weight
  • Chest pain
  • Hoarse voice
  • Severe cough
  • Heartburn and indigestion

Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis

Before recommending esophageal cancer treatment in India, the doctor will recommend some diagnostic procedures. Some of the different diagnostic techniques include:

diagnosis-of-esophageal-cancer

1. Barium Swallow X-ray:

In this procedure, you need to intake a liquid called barium that coats your esophagus and makes it prominent under the X-ray.

2. Endoscopy:

This process involves the doctor inserting a thin tube down your throat. This tube has a camera attached to it, and it helps the doctor examine the esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasound utilizes sound waves to determine the size, shape, and location of the tumor. 

3. Biopsy:

In this diagnostic procedure, the doctor takes a tissue sample from your esophagus, which is then sent to the laboratory to be tested for cancer.

4. Other diagnostic techniques:

Other diagnostic techniques that are used to decide on esophageal cancer treatment techniques include CT scan, thoracoscopy, PET scan, laparoscopy, etc. Theses procedures help determine if cancer has spread beyond the esophagus and affected other tissue and organs. This process is known as esophageal cancer staging.

Esophageal Cancer Treatment Available in India

When you notice symptoms and visit a doctor, they will conduct some basic tests and give an esophageal cancer prognosis. You will then be referred to an oncologist who will conduct some diagnostic tests on you to determine the extent and nature of cancer. The type of treatment recommended by the doctor depends on the nature of cancer and how far it has spread. During the initial stages, surgery is usually sufficient, but for the later stages, more intensive techniques are required.

Surgery is the esophageal cancer treatment of choice if the cancer hasn’t spread too far beyond the initial point. The doctor can locate the tumor using an endoscope and then remove it using small incisions. In more serious cases, some parts of the esophagus and the lymph nodes surrounding it may need removal. In extreme scenarios, a large portion at the top of the stomach may need to be removed. Side effects and complications from surgery include pain, swelling, bleeding, nausea, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, infection, and lung problems.

chemotherapy-for-esophageal-cancer-treatment

Chemotherapy is the most popular treatment for cancer and it involves using powerful drugs to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the only options available for stage 4 esophageal cancer. It can also be accompanied by surgery and radiation therapy. However, chemotherapy also kills some healthy cells which lead to side effects such as neuropathy, vomiting, nausea, pain, hair loss, and fatigue. Radiation therapy is another esophageal cancer treatment technique that uses high power radiation to destroy the cancer cells. This radiation may be administered internally or externally. Like Chemotherapy, there are a number of side effects associated with this procedure which include difficulty swallowing, ulcers inside the esophagus, fatigue, and sunburned skin.

India has some of the best hospitals that offer esophageal cancer treatment at affordable rates. Indian doctors are highly skilled and experienced with cancer patients. International patients from the African continent often visit India for high-quality treatment at reasonable rates. Indian hospitals have more advanced infrastructure than those in Africa, and the treatment programs cost less than what they would in Europe or in the USA.

Success Rates for Esophageal Cancer Treatment

success-rates-of-esophageal-cancer-treatment

While measuring success rates for esophageal cancer treatment, doctors use a relative survival rate which compares those who are in the same stage of cancer to those in the entire population. If for example, the five-year survival rate for people in a particular stage of cancer is 50%, it means that those people are 50% as likely to survive for 5 years after diagnosis, than people who don’t have cancer. The five-year survival rate for esophageal cancer is 47% for localized cancer, 25% for regional, 5% for distant cancer. All stages combined, the five-year survival rate is 20%. 

Although esophageal is a deadly disease, the patient’s life span can be considerably extended using proper treatment techniques. If detected early, the cancer can be completely eliminated.

Is Esophageal cancer fatal?

Esophageal cancer is not fatal, but it can be deadly if left untreated. The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is a persistent cough that cannot be explained by a cold or flu. Other symptoms include weight loss, pain, and blood in the stool. If you have any of these symptoms, you should go to the doctor immediately.

Esophageal cancer is the most deadly cancer. It is rare and has a high mortality rate. Esophageal cancer is caused by long-term exposure to a carcinogen, which is a substance that causes cancer in humans. There are some types of esophageal cancer i.e. adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is a very usual type of esophageal cancer, but it's curable. If it's caught early enough, it can be cured in about 90% of cases. Adenocarcinoma is very belligerent and has a lower cure rate. It can be cured only in about 30% of cases if it's caught early enough.

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that is made up of cells that are found in the esophagus. These cells grow in the esophagus and may make the esophagus difficult to swallow. It is important to make sure that the cells are removed before they cause damage to the esophagus. If caught early, cancer can be treated and sometimes cured. If not, it can be fatal.

Conclusion

The time has come for a new approach to the treatment of esophageal cancer. There is a significant need for more effective and less toxic treatments that can help prevent the recurrence of the disease. As of now, the only treatment option for esophageal cancer is surgery. This is costly and not always effective. The new treatment that is being developed includes a combination of chemo and radiation therapy. This new treatment will be able to target the cancer cells and leave healthy cells intact.

It is imperative that patients who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer are given the best treatment available. It is also imperative that patients are given the most up-to-date information on how to prevent esophageal cancer in the future. Esophageal cancer can be avoided by changing your lifestyle, quitting smoking, and eating healthy.

Esophageal Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you have esophageal cancer?

The signs of esophageal cancer are different for everyone. Some people will experience difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or chest pain. Other symptoms may be more subtle, such as weight loss, trouble breathing, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your doctor immediately. This can help you get started on the right treatment.

What are the long-term complications of esophageal?

The long-term complications of esophageal cancer can be devastating, but they are not all the same. One of the most common complications of esophageal cancer which spread to the lungs. The long-term complications of this cancer may include chronic cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing or talking. one of the major complications of esophageal cancer is that it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, and brain. This type of cancer can also cause difficulties with swallowing and breathing, as well as complications with the digestive systems. Other complications include bleeding, ulcers, and anemia.

How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?

Esophageal cancer is a very difficult cancer to diagnose because it can be hard to find out what's causing cancer. It is important to go to the doctor if you feel any changes in your throat or chest. A doctor will usually do a physical exam and ask you about any symptoms you may have. They will also do a CT scan or an endoscopy to check for any changes in your esophagus. If the doctor finds something that needs to be removed, they will then need to send it to a pathologist for diagnosis.

What is the prognosis for esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. It is also one of the most treatable cancers, with an overall five-year survival rate of more than 80%. This means that more than 80% of patients will survive for five years or longer after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Does gastroesophageal reflux disease cause cancer?

People with GERD are a little more likely to get an esophageal tumor. Individuals with more symptoms seem more likely to have this risk. However, GERD is very usual, and most people with it don't go on to get esophageal cancer.

Is esophageal cancer dangerous?

The World Health Organization ranks esophageal cancer, often known as EC, as the sixth most significant cause of death due to cancer. About 20% of people with esophageal cancer will still be alive after five years, but this number can span from 5% to 47%. However, if esophageal cancer is detected early and small, the chance of living for five years is higher.

What is esophageal cancer herbal treatment?

Several medicinal herbs have a long history of usage in the management of cancer symptoms and the enhancement of general health. A few examples of these include ginger, ashwagandha, turmeric, and tulsi.

What is Esophageal cancer prevention?

Eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits may help reduce the chance of developing esophageal cancer. While being overweight has been shown to increase the chance of developing esophageal cancer, particularly the adenocarcinoma subtype, maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the likelihood of developing this illness. The chance of developing esophageal cancer may decrease if you engage in regular physical activity.

What could be the adverse effects after surgery for esophageal cancer?

With any surgery, the side effects will be different for each patient. But in general, you can expect a few physical side effects after surgery for esophageal cancer as your body heals and gets used to processing food again. Some of these signs are pain, feeling sick, puking, having trouble swallowing, and heartburn.

What are the risks of surgery for esophageal cancer?

An esophagectomy is a significant surgery that, like all surgeries, has risks and possible side effects. Aside from the general risks of surgery and anesthesia, esophageal cancer surgery can cause changes in the voice, digestive problems, gastroesophageal reflux, or a stricture, blockage, or leak where the esophagus connects to the stomach.