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Esophageal cancer is one of the types of digestive system cancers that can be very dangerous if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments of esophageal cancer to help you understand this disease and its effects.
Esophageal cancer – symptoms. what are the first symptoms of esophageal cancer?
The first symptoms of esophageal cancer can be easily missed or confused with other ailments. However, it is worth being aware of potential alarm signals that may indicate the presence of this cancer. Common symptoms of esophageal cancer include:
- Chest pain, especially when swallowing.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), especially dry or solid food.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Hoarseness or changes in voice.
- Pain in the sternum area.
- An unpleasant burning sensation in the esophagus (acid reflux).
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately as they may indicate the presence of esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer – diagnosis
Diagnosis of esophageal cancer is crucial for effective treatment. This process may include various tests and procedures, such as:
- Endoscopy with biopsy, which allows for a thorough assessment of the inside of the esophagus and collection of tissue samples for histopathological analysis.
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the advancement of the disease.
- Blood tests, including tumor markers, which may indicate the presence of cancer.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will be able to assess the stage of the cancer and determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
Esophageal cancer – causes
The causes of esophageal cancer are not fully understood, but there are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The main risk factors for esophageal cancer include:
- Smoking tobacco
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV infection (human papillomavirus)
- Excessive consumption of hot drinks and foods
- Chronic reflux esophagitis (GERD)
- Family history of esophageal cancer
Although these factors increase the risk of developing the disease, they cannot be clearly attributed as the sole causes of esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer – prognosis. how long do you live with esophageal cancer?
The prognosis for esophageal cancer depends mainly on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Esophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an early stage, which increases the chances of effective treatment. Nevertheless, the prognosis is usually less favorable than for many other cancers. The average five-year survival rate is approximately 20-25%, but may be much higher for patients with early-stage disease.
It is worth emphasizing that the prognosis can be significantly improved thanks to modern treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
Esophageal cancer – treatment. can esophageal cancer be cured?
Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Possible treatments include:
- Surgery, which may involve removing part or all of the esophagus.
- Chemotherapy, which uses anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy, which uses ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells.
In some cases, combinations of these methods are used. Whether esophageal cancer can be cured depends on many factors, but earlier diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving the prognosis.
Your suggestions
If you suspect or are at risk of developing esophageal cancer, consult your doctor immediately. Regular preventive examinations and a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help reduce the risk of disease.
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