Esophageal Cancer - Cause, diagnosis and treatments, survival etc!!
Posted on: 10/Feb/2023 5:07:26 PM
Esophagus is a tube that connects mouth and stomach and it carries foods and liquids from mouth to stomach. The type of cancer that would affect the esophagus is oesophageal cancer or also known as carcinoma of esophagus. This is a serious issue and must be treated compulsorily or else it could kill the person. Initially, the cancer would spread slowly and would grow for many years till the symptoms become visible. The chances of survival of a person affected with this cancer would be high if detection of the cancer is done early and proper treatment is provided.
Various reasons for esophageal cancer in us are having GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disorder, smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, having bile indux etc.
Symptoms of esophageal cancer:
There are few common symptoms associated with esophageal cancer and they are trouble swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, chronic cough, vomiting and bleeding etc.
Ways to detect esophageal cancer:
Endoscopy - This is one method by which esophageal cancer can be detected at the beginning state itself. Here, a long flexible tube with light and camera attached to it is inserted into the mouth and down the esophagus.
Biopsy - It is a method where a small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope. Truth is that by doing a biopsy it would be possible to detect this cancer in a definitive manner.
There are also several other methods that can be used like computer tomography or CT, MRI or magnetic resonance imaging and bronchoscopy etc.
Treatment:
The most common treatment for esophageal cancer is surgery. Here, a part of the esophagus could be removed in an operational procedure known as esophagectomy. It must be noted that for the early stage cancers the use of endoscopic mucosal resection or robotic surgery has reduced the admission time by a few days. If the esophageal cancer patient does not want surgery, then treatment with radiation with superb latest techniques like image guided radiotherapy or IGRT has lowered the side effects. Current;ly, molecular testing is being used for treating the patients.
Chances of survival:
Many years back, a person detected with esophageal cancer had no chances of survival and that was due to lack of advanced medical technology etc. Now, treatment has become better and this has in turn increased the survival chances of the patients. It is a fact that now 20% of esophageal cancer patients survive atleast 5 years after the diagnosis.
