Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in your oesophagus, which is the long tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. The cancer can stay localized in the oesophagus or spread to other body parts. While oesophageal cancer is usually treatable and curable, it doesn’t exhibit symptoms in the early stages.
As a result, most people don’t notice oesophageal cancer until it spreads to other parts of the body, which makes it more dangerous and challenging to treat. Because of how difficult it is to detect, oesophageal cancer kills more people than most other forms of cancer and is the 6th deadliest cancer in the world. Therefore, seeking an early diagnosis and treatment is essential if you suspect you have oesophageal cancer.
Unfortunately, in its early stages, oesophageal cancer often doesn’t have many physical symptoms. As a result, it often goes unnoticed until the later stages, when the following symptoms present themselves.
If you notice any of the symptoms above, it’s essential to consult a doctor immediately. Even if you don’t have oesophageal cancer, many other conditions of the oesophagus are severe and dangerous.
As with most types of cancer, experts aren’t sure what causes oesophageal cancer. However, several risk factors increase your chances of developing oesophageal cancer.
Tobacco and alcohol contain ingredients that can lead to oesophageal cancer; those who smoke, vape, or use tobacco products are at the highest risk.
A family history of cancer increases your risk of oesophageal cancer.
Obesity can result in inflammation and swelling of your oesophagus, leading to oesophageal cancer.
GERD, acid reflux, and Barrett’s oesophagus are all conditions that raise the chances of oesophageal cancer.
Human papillomavirus can lead to the development of oesophageal cancer.
Repeated exposure to certain contaminants and contagions can increase your risk.
While these risk factors increase your chances of developing oesophageal cancer, everyone is at risk. There isn’t always a rhyme or reason for who gets this type of cancer, so everyone should be vigilant. You can reduce your chances of getting oesophageal cancer by eating a healthy, balanced diet and abstaining from tobacco products.
There are several tests your doctor will perform if they suspect that you may have oesophageal cancer. These tests include the following.
The barium swallow test is where you drink a liquid coated in barium and then receive x-rays of your oesophagus.
Certain imaging tests, including PET scans, ultrasounds, CT scans, and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, can help confirm whether or not you have cancer. These imaging tests can also help your doctor determine if cancer has spread from the oesophagus to other body parts.
The biopsy is usually performed at the same time as the esophagogastroduodenoscopy and involves retrieving a tissue sample from your oesophagus. The sample is then tested for the presence of cancer.
If your doctor diagnoses you with oesophageal cancer, it’s important to determine if it has spread or is still localized to your oesophagus. Depending on the stage and extent of the cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments.
Surgery is almost always necessary to remove the cancerous parts of your oesophagus and body. If it’s necessary to remove most of your oesophagus, your doctor will create a new one.
Chemo and radiation are standard treatments for most cancers and help kill the cancer cells in your body.
Certain medications and drug therapies can help kill cancer, boost your immune system, and strengthen your oesophagus.
As long as you catch oesophageal cancer in the early stages before it has spread, these treatments are often effective. However, if oesophageal cancer spreads to other body parts, treatment and management are much more difficult.