What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Because symptoms may be subtle in the early stages, prompt evaluation of swallowing difficulties or chronic reflux symptoms is important.
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Persistent heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Chronic cough
- Sensation of food getting stuck
Causes & Risk Factors
Risk factors for esophageal cancer may include chronic acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and advancing age.
Gastroenterological Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis may involve upper endoscopy, imaging studies, endoscopic ultrasound, and biopsy testing. Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer and may include endoscopic therapies, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of approaches.