OverviewCancer of the esophagus is a tumor that grows in the lining of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth and upper throat to the stomach.
What is going on in the body?The esophagus carries swallowed food to the stomach using a coordinated muscular effort. There is a muscular sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach. Esophageal cancer can start anywhere along the lining of the esophagus. It begins in the inside lining, then grows through the muscular wall of the esophagus. It can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?Someone who has esophageal cancer may have the following symptoms:
• difficulty swallowing
• heartburn
• inability to swallow solid foods and, eventually, liquids
• pain with swallowing
If the cancer spreads to other body organs, it may cause pain. Since it spreads easily to the liver, the person may develop the following symptoms of liver failure:
• enlarged liver
• jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
There appear to be many causes and risk factors for esophageal cancer. Certain conditions, if present for a long time, increase a person's risk for esophageal cancer.
What can be done to prevent the disease?
The best way to prevent esophageal cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol.
How is the disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of esophageal cancer begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare professional may order an endoscopy of the esophagus. If a tumor is seen, a biopsy is done. If the tumor is found to be cancerous, a staging work-up is done.
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