Esophageal carcinoma

Description of esophageal cancer

The esophagus is a muscular tube, through which food flows from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal carcinoma – growth of cancer cells in the esophagus.

Cancer occurs, when the body's cells begin randomly divided. The result is a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus;
• Adenocarcinoma.

The causes of esophageal cancer

Causes of esophageal cancer are unknown.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer

Factors, which increase the risk of esophageal cancer:

• Age: 60 and older;
• Paul: male;
• Smoking or use of tobacco products (masticatory, snuff);
• Alcohol consumption;
• The history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially if it resulted in a Barrett's esophagus;
• Axalazija (Chronic stretching of the esophagus);
• Infection Helicobacter pylori (causes stomach ulcers);
• Some rare genetic diseases, such as Plummer-Vinson syndrome and keratoderma;
• Damage to the esophagus toxic substances, such as alkali;
• The history of cancer of the head and / or neck;
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Symptoms of esophageal cancer

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty swallowing;
• Soreness when swallowing;
• Cough;
• Hoarse voice;
• Sore throat, back, Breast;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Coughing up blood;
• Weight loss.

Diagnosis of esophageal cancer

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Tests may include:

• Chest X-ray;
• Radiopaque barium study – perform X-rays of the esophagus and stomach after drinking a special contrast fluid;
• Esophagoscopy – of the esophagus by a tube with a light source at the end;
• Biopsy – removal of a small sample of tissue of the esophagus, to check for cancer cells;
• CT scan (CT) – type of X-ray, which uses computer, to make pictures of the inside of the esophagus;
• PET / CT – test to evaluate the metabolic activity of tissue;
• A bone scan, to determine, whether the cancer has spread to the bone.

This type of cancer can easily spread to other organs, that could complicate treatment. People, which are risk factors, especially reflux, should discuss with your doctor the possibility of screening tests. Screening tests can detect the presence of cancer before the onset of symptoms.

Treatment of esophageal cancer

Treatment may include:

Surgery for esophageal cancer

To remove the tumor, You may need surgery. If necessary, the doctor may also remove all or part of the esophagus. In place of the missing part of the esophagus can be mounted plastic tube.

Radiation therapy for cancer of the esophagus

Radiation therapy uses radiation emissions, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be of the following types:

• External radiation therapy – radiation is directed at the tumor from a radiation source outside the body;
• Internal radiation therapy – radioactive materials placed in the body near cancer cells.

Chemotherapy for cancer of the esophagus

Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy may be used to reduce the size of very large tumors.

With chemotherapy esophageal cancer can not be cured. It is only used when the cancer has already spread and can not be cured. Currently, chemotherapy is used, to reduce swelling, relieve pain or reduce nausea.

Combination therapy of esophageal cancer

Often, to cure cancer of the esophagus, Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used together. This method of treatment can be more effective, than surgery or radiotherapy alone.

Trimodal therapy of esophageal cancer

Trimodalynaya therapy – three-stage cancer treatment. It includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. The method is indicated for the treatment of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Also, trimodal therapy may be the best treatment for cancers not started.

Laser therapy of esophageal cancer

To try to kill cancer cells can be used high-intensity light.

Photodynamic therapy of esophageal cancer

A combination of drugs and special lights, to kill cancer cells. The drug is absorbed by cancer cells, and special lamps stimulant medications, allowing you to kill them.

Photodynamic therapy is a promising method of treatment. It is suitable only a very small number of patsientov.Effektivnost depends, How far infrared rays penetrate into the tumor. Also, the tumor must be very small. Photodynamic therapy for esophageal cancer is not used for the treatment of cancer, that has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

Prevention of Esophageal Cancer

To help prevent esophageal cancer:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products. If you smoke or use tobacco products, try to quit;
• Drink alcohol only in moderation;
• Start the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.