Esophagus Cancer - Treatment & Symptom

Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus . It has a complex array of nerves ("plexus") that work to coordinate the swallowing motion. The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus is muscular, to help propel food downward with swallowing. Esophageal cancer usually originates in the lining of the esophagus (called the mucosa) and can develop in the upper, middle, or lower section of the organ. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. The tumor also tends to metastasize to the periesophageal lymph nodes and, eventually, to the liver, lungs, or both. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and makes swallowing easier. In adults, the esophagus is about 10 inches long. The most common symptom, which usually occurs late in the disease, is difficulty swallowing and a sensation of food sticking in your throat or chest.

The wall of the esophagus has several layers. The most common types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The esophagus has an outer lining, called the "adventitia", which surrounds the muscular layers and separates the esophagus from other nearby organs. The esophagus, like all other organs of the body, is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells divide to produce more cells only when they are needed. Cancer of the esophagus -- also referred to as esophageal cancer - starts from its inner layer and grows outward. The layer that lines the inside of the esophagus is called the mucosa. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in flat cells that line the esophagus. The very bottom portion of the esophagus and the region where the esophagus and stomach join are lined with columnar cells that can give rise to malignant tumors called adenocarcinomas. Small and localized tumors are treated with surgery , and advanced tumors are treated with chemotherapy , radiotherapy or combinations.

Causes of Esophagus Cancer

The comman causes of Esophagus Cancer include the following:

• Esophageal cancer is caused by a malignant change (mutation) in cells that comprise the lining of the esophagus.
• Alcohol and smoking.
• Chronic inflammation of the food pipe.
• Tylosis (rare, genetic, skin disorder that causes esophageal inflammation).
• Age is a risk factor and the disease is more common after the age of 50.
• In the United States, smoking is the major risk factors for this disease.
• Plummer-Vinson syndrome (also called Patterson-Kelly syndrome; characterized by anemia, brittle fingernails, and esophageal irritation).
• Vitamin or nutritional deficiencies have been recognized as contributing factors.
• Certain medical conditions (eg, Plummer-Vinson syndrome) and caustic injury to the esophagus are associated with an increased incidence of esophageal cancer.

Symptoms of Esophagus Cancer

Some sign and symptoms related to Esophagus Cancer are as follows:

• Pain in the throat, back, behind the breastbone (sternum), or between the shoulder blades.
• Progressive difficulty in swallowing food.
• Weight loss is the second most common symptom and occurs in more than 50% of people with esophageal carcinoma.
• Vomiting.
• Low grade fever, fatigue, anemia.
• Regurgitation of food.
• Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids.
• Iron-deficiency anemia (may be diagnosed through a blood test).
• Hoarseness, a chronic cough and sometimes coughing of blood.

Treatment of Esophagus Cancer

Here is list of the methods for treating Esophagus Cancer:

• Chemotherapy as a single modality has limited use. Only a few patients achieve a modest and short-lived response.
• Laser therapy (Nd:YAG laser) can help achieve temporary relief of dysphagia in as many as 70% of patients.
• Radiation therapy is used to help shrink the tumor with a form of high energy x-rays which are carefully directed at the tumor and the surrounding tissue at highest risk for local spread.
• Two types of surgery are commonly performed for esophageal cancer.
• Other treatments that may be used to improve a patient's ability to swallow include endoscopic dilation of the esophagus (sometimes with placement of a stent ), or photodynamic therapy.