Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer in the United States. It is more prevalent in southern Africa, Iran, India and northern China where the incidence of the disease may be up to 100 times more than that in the United States. It was, in fact, in China that the first recorded case of esophageal cancer was found, some 2,000 years ago.
Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, which is a muscular tube that connects the oropharynx to the stomach. The lenth of esophagus is appromiately 25 cm. For a normal adult, the diameter of the esophagus at its smallest point is three quarters of an inch.
Esophageal cancer is a treatable and curable disease. The problem often lies in how to detect the disease while it is still at an early stage. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, since it is usually at this juncture that the symptoms of esophageal cancer manifest themselves.
The two main types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The former used to account for most cases of esophageal cancer.
Recent research has found, however, that squamous cell carcinomas now account for less than 50% of esophageal cancers.
Squamous cell carcinoma can start just about anywhere along the esophagus, since squamous cells line the entire esophagus.
On the other hand, adenocarcinoma develops in grandular tissue. It often occurs near the stomach, in the lower esophagus. It develops only when
glandular cells replace an area of squamous cells.
Symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms of esophageal cancer, consult your doctor. Unfortunately, the disease is often diagnosed when the disease has advanced, limiting treatment options.1. Unintentional Weight Loss
If you aren't trying to lose weight and have noticed you have been or are losing weight, you should consult your doctor. Unintentional
weight loss can mean many things, but it is better to have it checked out.
3. Hoarseness If your voice is hoarse, or you feel like you have to often clear your throat, you should get checked out by a doctor. This symptom of esophageal cancer is also that of many other illnesses, so a consult is necessary.
4. Persistent Cough Having a cough that does not go away is a symptom of esophageal cancer.
6. Feeling Like Food is Stuck in Throat or Chest In certain cases of esophageal cancer, the esophagus narrows, thus reducing the amount of space foods have to travel down to the stomach. The sensation of food being stuck in the throat or chest is that of esophageal cancer.
7. Hiccups with Pain or Difficulty Swallowing If you often have the hiccups and also have pain or difficulty swallowing, you need to see a doctor. These two condition when experienced together are a symptom of esophageal cancer.