Increasing risk of Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is the 8th most common cause of cancer worldwide and 6th leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, which is a long hollow tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. The esophagus aids in the movement of food from the pharynx to the stomach for digestion. Esophageal cancer is more common in males than females.
Causes of esophageal cancer
Dr. Monika Jain, Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sri Balaji Action medical center, Delhi says, “Some of the risk factors are tobacco use, alcohol intake, obesity, low consumption of fruits & vegetables, low socioeconomic status, achalasia cardia, micronutrient deficiencies etc. with the development in science and innovation, early detection and treatment have significantly improved outcomes for patients and their families.”
Cancer can develop in any part of the esophagus and can have varied symptoms, although below mentioned are some that are more common:
Difficulty swallowing:
Also known as dysphagia. Esophageal cancer can cause difficulty in swallowing food due to narrowing of esophageal lumen. Initially the difficulty can be for solid foods but as the disease progresses, even liquids can be difficult to swallow.
Painful swallowing:
Swallowing may become painful, particularly in presence of ulcerated lesions. This is known as odynophagia.
Chest pain:
Chest pain can be a symptom of esophageal cancer. The pain may be felt in the chest or back and may signify the involvement of adjacent structures to the esophagus.
Hoarse voice:
A hoarse voice can be a sign of many medical conditions, including esophageal cancer. Therefore, any changes in your voice should be considered as an alarming symptom.
Coughing/ recurrent pneumonia:
Tumor erosion can lead to the communication between esophagus and respiratory tract (trachea-esopageal fistula) which may result in persistent coughing or recurrent pneumonias.
Dr. Jain says, “It is important to seek medical attention if anybody experiences any of these symptoms, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for patients. If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, a doctor may conduct a physical examination, imaging tests, upper GI endoscopy and a biopsy to find out if a patient has esophageal cancer.”
The takeaway:
In recent years, science and innovation have played a significant role in expanding treatment options for esophageal cancer patients. Researchers are exploring new ways to use radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies to treat this type of cancer. Additionally, minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as endoscopic resection, are becoming more widely used, allowing for less invasive and more effective treatments. With the help of evolution of science and technology, new and more effective treatment options are becoming available for esophageal cancer patients.
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