Carcinoma Esophagus is the cancer of esophageal tube. Esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth through the throat to the stomach, and is also known as the food pipe. It carries food down the thro..
Carcinoma Esophagus is the cancer of esophageal tube. Esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth through the throat to the stomach, and is also known as the food pipe. It carries food down the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer starts developing from cells present in the inner lining of the tube. The disease is more common among men as compared to women. Out of many factors which may cause esophageal cancer, smoking and acid refluxes are the most harmful. Early treatment can stop the disease from spreading further and bring it under control.
Early stages of cancer typically have no symptoms. However, following are the most common symptoms that are visible in the later stages:
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).
- Weight loss.
- Chest pain and discomfort along with burning sensation.
- Coughing.
- Indigestion.
- Heartburn.
The exact underlying cause of esophageal cancer is not clear. The disease develops when the cells of the esophagus tube corrupts their own DNA. The corrupted cells then grow and multiply rapidly without control, and start accumulating forming a tumour. The structure may grow and hamper other body parts also. The following are some factors that are associated with the disease:
- Alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Bile refluxes and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Obesity.
- Precancerous cell changes (barrett's esophagus).
- Radiation therapy for treatment of chest.
Some risks of carcinoma esophagus are:
- Tracheo-esophageal fistulas.
- Weight loss.
- Metastases.
- Anaemia.
- Pneumonia.
Following are some measures that could be followed to prevent carcinoma esophagus:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating fruit and vegetable rich diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Control gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD).
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Our superspecialist doctors provide the highest quality of care through a team-based, doctor-led model. Trained at some of the world's most renowned i..... Continue Reading
