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Esophageal Cancer
What is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is a malignant growth that develops in the inside lining of the esophagus. It represents about 1% of all cancers in the United States but has a much higher incidence in other parts of the world. There are two main types of esophageal cancer. The first one forms in the normal lining of the esophagus or the “squamous cells.” Squamous cell cancer usually occurs in the upper and middle part of the esophagus. The second type of esophageal cancer arises from abnormal cells at the end of the esophagus near the stomach. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma and is now the most common type of esophageal cancer in the U.S. What causes esophageal cancer?
Squamous cell cancer of the esophagus is most often related to smoking and alcohol abuse. When smoking and alcohol use are combined the risk is much greater. Adenocarcinoma is mainly caused by reflux of stomach acids and bile up into the esophagus, causing irritation. The end of the esophagus has no ability to protect itself from the damaging effects of acid. Over time, the cells lining the esophagus change or mutate to try to prevent further damage. This new lining, called Barrett's esophagus has the potential to form cancer. Fortunately if we know that a person has this type of lining then we can watch them more closely and hopefully find the cancer early.
The risk factors of esophageal cancer include:
What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?
The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, also called dysphagia. Patients often complain of food getting stuck which leads to changes in eating habits and weight loss. It is important that early symptoms are recognized and any persistent difficulty in swallowing should be evaluated.
Other symptoms may include: |
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Virginia Piper Cancer Institute
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