The esophagus is part of the digestive tract. Its function is to move food from the mouth to the stomach for digestion. It is classified as a muscle and is composed of several layers: lining, submucosa, muscular layer and the outer layer. Cancer of the esophagus generally begins to grow in the inner layer of the esophagus and may spread in the surround tissues. Cancer cells can also break off and find their way in other parts of the body inducing other cancer tumors to grow. This is called metastasis. It is not known what causes of esophageal cancer but risk factors that increase your chances of developing the disease being older than 65 years, be of the male sex, smoking, bu include, unhealthy died, obesity and acid reflux.
Cancer of the esophagus is asymptomatic means that it does not usually has no symptoms. However difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chest pain and fatigue have been associated with the disease. It is a good idea to make an appointment with your provider of health care for screening if these symptoms persist and become worrisome. Your doctor can diagnose disease that you drink a solution of barium and take x-rays of your throat. It can also use an endoscopy to look directly at the fabric in your esophagus. If the cancerous tissue is found, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine if the cancer is malignant or benign.
There are several treatment options for cancer of the esophagus. This includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The type of prescribed treatment generally depends on the severity of the disease, its location, and if it is extended to other parts of your body. Surgery can be performed at the outset to remove very small tumors found in the early stages of the disease. If the disease is quite advanced, however, a more aggressive surgical intervention may include removing part of the esophagus (esophagectomy) or part of the throat and the upper part of the stomach (gastrectomy). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also prescribe in conjunction with surgery.
There is no cure for cancer of the esophagus. Treatment of the disease is difficult even with the current medical technology. Patients with this disease can be encouraged to participate in clinical trials for more effective treatment options can be found. It is preferable to speak with your provider of health care of all your options of treatment, and their associated benefits and risks.
