Cancer A to Z

Esophagus cancer - It is disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the esophagus and multiply. The esophagus is the muscular duct that connects the mouth to the stomach or transporting food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal cancer starts in the top layer and as you increase the thickness of the layers extends to the esophagus.
The most common are two types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and
adenocarcinoma risk factors in esophageal cancer are:
- Smoking
- Consumption of large amounts of alcohol
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Barrett's esophagus
- Old age
- Males

Esophagus cancer - Signs, symptoms and causes

- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and painful swallowing are the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer. Difficulty in swallowing is the first symptom in most patients. Fluids and soft foods are usually tolerated, while hard or bulky substances (such as bread or meat) are harder to swallow. Weight loss is characteristic as a result of poor nutrition and the active cancer. Pain often felt like a burn. An early sign may be an unusually hoarse voice.

Esophagus cancer - Treatment

Surgical treatment is the most used treatment for esophageal cancer; by surgery are removed parts of the esophagus, called an esophagectomy surgery. Surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy, laser therapy and electrocoagulation.