The development of a malignant tumor in the esophagus is known as esophageal cancer. This type of cancer is usually diagnosed through the performance of a biopsy on the tumor. Malignancies can be of various sizes, which can affect the treatment methods that are available to the person.
Cause
Esophageal cancer is more common in men than in women. Heavy tobacco or alcohol usage can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. The majority of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer are over the age of 60.
Types
There are subtypes of esophageal cancer as well. One type, known as Squamous cell cancer arises from the upper lining of the esophagus. The other, Adenocarcinoma, develops from the glandular cells located the the junction of the esophagus and the stomach.
Complications
One main complication of esophageal cancer is the increased difficulty in swallowing. This is known as Dysphagia. The size of the tumor makes this complication even more difficult to tolerate. Esophageal cancer patients may also have pain when swallowing, weight loss, voice changes, bleeding, cough, and fever. An increased risk of pneumonia is present as well.
Treatment
Treatment methods will depend on the type and location of cancer. Stents or nasogastric tubing may be put in place for patients who cannot swallow at all. Surgical intervention may be possible in some esophageal cancers, including an esophagectomy, removal of the esophagus. Chemotherapy and radiation are also possible methods to treat this type of cancer.
Prognosis
Survival of esophageal cancer is very small. There is less than a 5% chance of surviving past five years. Survival however, primarily depends on when the cancer was detected and treatments began.
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