ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: SYMPTOMS, STAGES, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT

 

Esophageal cancer is cancer in which the tumor grows from the walls of the esophagus. In the elderly, it is more common. The reasons for the development of pathology are not precisely established, but it is known that the following factors can increase the risk of malignancy in the esophagus:

• smoking and alcohol consumption;
• malnutrition;
• consumption of excessively hot or cold food, drinks;
• inhalation of toxic gases;
• chemical burns of the esophagus.

The risks of oncology increase with obesity, gastroesophageal disease, keratoderma, Barrett's disease. Giandliverconsultants provide the best gastrointestinal consultants in Irvine.

The main types

Morphological classification of malignant tumors distinguishes several types:

• squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus - characterized in that cancer develops from squamous epithelial cells;
• adenocarcinoma - develops from epithelial cells (less common, but more severe).

Small cell cancer, melanoma, sarcoma is rarely diagnosed.

In addition, malignant tumors are divided into several categories depending on the characteristics of their growth. For example, endophytic esophageal cancer develops in the thickness of the walls of the body, and xerophytic - grows in the lumen of the esophagus. Sometimes there are mixed forms. Such neoplasms are prone to decay. An ulcer may form in their place.

 

Stages and signs

The symptoms of esophageal cancer directly depend on the stage of tumor development. Therefore, many patients are interested in how esophageal cancer begins. At an early stage, malignant cells appear on the surface of the esophagus, with no apparent symptoms of pathology.

Then the tumor develops in progression:

• I stage. The tumor grows deep into the mucous layer but is small and does not affect the muscle layer. There are no signs of the disease.
• Stage II. The tumor increases in size, and therefore grows into the muscle layer. Sometimes metastases appear in the nearby lymph nodes. The first symptoms begin to bother.
• Stage III. The tumor grows in all layers of the esophagus, is significant, and therefore there are pronounced problems with swallowing.
• Stage IV. Metastases are found not only in the lymph nodes but also in distant organs.

The first symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing food. The person feels that the food is stuck and therefore tries to push it with water. Gradually the symptom worsens, the investigator is forced to give up solid food. Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness.

 

In addition, the patient is concerned about the following symptoms:

• nausea and vomiting;
• the unpleasant, putrid odor from the mouth;
• blood impurities in the vomit;
• hoarseness of voice;
• rapid fatigue;
• a slight rise in body temperature;
• weakness, loss of strength.

 

Diagnosis and treatment

To detect the tumor is a comprehensive diagnosis. The following instrumental methods are used:

• USD;
• esophagoscopy;
• bronchoscopy;
• computed tomography;
• laparoscopy.

 

A histological examination must be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

The most effective is the combined treatment of esophageal cancer. Surgery for esophageal cancer is performed in the early stages. Often the tumor is removed along with part of the esophagus and lymph nodes. At the started stages, stenting, which allows establishing an everyday food, is applied. Giandliverconsultants provide the best liver consultants in Irvine.

The high effectiveness of chemotherapy in esophageal cancer is because it helps prevent a recurrence. Radiation therapy is performed after and before surgery when the tumor is large.

If esophageal cancer is diagnosed, the prognosis depends on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, survival is high, but in 3-4 sets - it does not exceed 10%. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical help in time and undergo an entire course of treatment.