Esophageal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that transports food from the throat to the stomach.
There are two main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line the upper part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular cells that are present at the junction of the esophagus and stomach.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case esophageal cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.
The cause of esophageal cancer is unknown.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Age: 60 or older
- Sex: male
- Smoking or smokeless tobacco use (such as chewing tobacco or snuff)
- Alcohol use
-
History of
gastroesophageal reflux
, especially if this has caused
Barrett's esophagus
- Achalasia (chronic dilation of the esophagus)
-
Infection with
Helicobacter pylori
(causes stomach
ulcers
)
- Certain rare genetic conditions such as Plummer Vinson syndrome and tylosis
- Damaged esophagus from toxic substances, such as lye
- History of cancer of the head and/or neck
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
Symptoms include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Cough
- Hoarse voice
- Pain in the throat, back, chest
- Nausea, vomiting
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss
Note:
These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.
Because of the structure and location of the esophagus, esophageal cancer tends to spread very early, making a cure more difficult. People who have predisposing conditions, especially reflux, should discuss with their physicians what regular screening tests, such as endoscopy, might be appropriate.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
-
Chest x-ray
—an x-ray of the chest area
-
Upper GI series
—a series of x-rays of the esophagus and stomach taken after drinking a barium solution (also called barium swallow)
- Esophagoscopy—examination of the esophagus using a lighted scope
-
Biopsy
—removal of a small sample of esophageal tissue to test for cancer cells
- CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
-
Bone scan
—to see if the cancer has spread to the bones
Treatment may include:
Removal of the cancerous tumor. The doctor might remove all or part of your esophagus, as well. A plastic tube might be used to replace the missing portion of esophagus.
The use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:
- External radiation therapy—radiation directed at the esophagus from a source outside the body
- Internal radiation therapy – radioactive materials placed into the esophagus in or near the cancer cells
Removal of the cancerous tumor. The doctor might remove all or part of your esophagus, as well. A plastic tube might be used to replace the missing portion of esophagus.
The use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy alone will not cure esophageal cancer. It is only used when the cancer has already spread and cannot be cured. The chemotherapy at this point is used to help shrink the tumor somewhat to help ease pain or nausea control.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy together are more curable than radiotherapy alone. Additionally, it has been shown that these two treatments may be as effective as surgery alone.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by a completion esophagogastrectomy or surgery. This has been shown to be a most aggressive form of therapy and may be the best way to cure a patient of their disease.
High-intensity light used to try to kill cancer cells.
A combination of drugs and special lights used to try to kill cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy is a promising treatment approach but is only appropriate in a very small number of patients with esophageal cancer because of the limits of how far the infrared light source will travel into the cancer itself. The tumor must be very small (smaller than ¼ inch thick) and it must not involve any lymph nodes or other structures.
To help prevent esophageal cancer:
- Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
- Get medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Last reviewed February 2008 by
Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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