Esophageal Cancer: Facts, Stats and Treatment
April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, and the team at Comprehensive Cancer wants to share information about the disease, which includes details about the cancer, potential causes, as well as ways to reduce your risk.
The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach and lies behind the trachea (windpipe) and in front of the spine. In adults, the esophagus is usually between 10 and 13 inches long and is about three quarters of an inch across at the smallest point. At its opening, there is a ring of muscle that relaxes to open the esophagus when it senses the arrival of food or liquids. This allows for those materials to safely get to the stomach.
With this part of the body highly active with eating and drinking each day, and often misused during consumption of alcohol or through smoking, it can find itself in poor shape. When that happens, risks for illnesses and diseases, such as cancer, can present. When cancer occurs, cells form in the tissue lining of the esophagus, with two types of esophageal cancer presenting as either squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
According to federal statistics, an estimated 20,000 people living in the United States were diagnosed with esophageal cancer, with an estimated 16,500 dying from the disease in 2022. These statistics, unfortunately, make esophageal cancer one of the more deadly forms of cancer.
Types of Esophageal Cancer Treated by Comprehensive Cancer Centers
As noted, there are two types of Esophageal Cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. More details about each of these types of cancer are as follows:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This cancer forms in the thin, flat cells lining the esophagus and is most often found in the upper and middle part of the esophagus. While that’s the most common location, it can occur anywhere along the esophagus, with those instances referred to as epidermoid carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma: This esophageal cancer begins in glandular cells, in the lining of the esophagus that produce and release fluids including mucus. Adenocarcinomas primarily form in the lower part of the esophagus close to the stomach.
How Do You Know If You Might Have Esophageal Cancer?
As with any cancer, Comprehensive Cancer recommends you pay close attention to your body so you are aware of any signs that confirm suspicions. However, the oncology practice also stresses that some cancers can present without symptoms. The team recommends that everyone get an annual physician exam, along with age and family appropriate tests and screenings to find all cancers and illnesses as soon as possible.
With those caveats in mind, signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer may include some or all of the following:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Challenges with painful or difficult swallowing
- Pains in the chest behind the breastbone
- Persistent hoarseness of the voice and cough
- Troubles after eating including persistent Indigestion and heartburn
- Lumps under the skin in the front of the neck
As noted, these and other signs and symptoms could be caused by esophageal cancer or by other conditions, and Comprehensive Cancer recommends, in these instances, people immediately check with their doctor to confirm a diagnosis.
What Are Considered the Primary Causes of Esophageal Cancer?
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer and not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. Risk factors for esophageal cancer may include the following:
- Use of tobacco, with increasing concerns about vaping/eCigarettes
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- A condition in which the cells lining the lower part of the esophagus have changed or been replaced with abnormal cells that could lead to cancer of the esophagus known as Barrett esophagus. Heartburn is the most common cause of Barrett esophagus
- Getting older
- Personal and family health and cancer history
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients with esophageal cancer. For certain patients, clinical research studies currently being conducted at Comprehensive Cancer Centers may offer help, please click here to learn more. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.