![Like many types of cancer, esophageal cancer in its early stages may be asymptomatic.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/esophageal-cancer-1.jpg?output-quality=75)
Like many types of cancer, esophageal cancer in its early stages may be asymptomatic. Diagnosis in people without symptoms is usually accidental because of tests run for other medical problems. A few signs of cancer may be seen in a few people. These may be as follows:
- Indigestion or heartburn: You may experience indigestion that can lead to heartburn and other symptoms.
- Dysphagia (trouble swallowing): It may be the first sign of esophageal cancer. You may experience trouble swallowing because the food gets stuck in the throat or you choke on the food sometimes. Dysphagia generally worsens as cancer progresses into advanced stages. As a result, pain in swallowing increases because your esophagus starts to narrow from growing cancer. If you notice any growing discomfort with swallowing, then immediately consult your physician.
- Chest pain: Chronic chest pain is another warning sign of esophageal cancer. You may experience pain that feels like burning in the affected area, especially after swallowing food or liquid.
- Persistent coughing or hoarseness: If you have a persistent cough and hoarse or scratchy voice, then these might indicate esophageal cancer. The tumor may compress the nerve surrounding the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness.
- Unintentional weight loss: Due to dysphagia, eating can be a big-time problem for you. As a result, you may not eat enough to maintain your weight. Cancer might reduce your appetite and increase your metabolism.
- Bleeding into the esophagus: Bloody vomit or blood from the esophagus then passes through the digestive tract, which may turn the stool black. Over time, this blood loss can lead to anemia, which can make a person feel tired.
Having one or more symptoms does not necessarily indicate esophageal cancer. Because some of these symptoms can be attributed to other medical conditions, it is important to discuss any concerning changes with your physician, especially if you are having trouble swallowing.
What are the symptoms of advanced stages of esophageal cancer?
Because cancer invades the nearby tissues and organs, new symptoms may occur or there can be worsening of old symptoms.
- Compression of the surrounding nerves can lead to:
Moreover, cancer spreading to different areas may cause various additional symptoms, which include
- Lungs symptoms include
- Liver symptoms include
- Bone symptoms include
- Bone pain
- Brain symptoms may include
- Intestinal symptoms include
Cancer spreading to the kidney often does not cause any symptoms.
In extremely late stages, esophageal cancer may completely constrict the esophagus attributing to total dysphagia. It gives rise to the buildup of secretion in the mouth, causing distress in you.
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SLIDESHOW
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See SlideshowWhat are the main causes and risk factors of esophageal cancer?
It is not clear what causes esophageal cancer. It is believed that mutation (change) in the genes of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) causes cancer. This mutation results in uncontrolled cell division and cell growth. These cells form a tumor in the esophagus and can spread to nearby structures.
Chronic irritation of the esophagus is thought to be the main cause of esophageal cancer. This chronic irritation can be caused by
- Tobacco: Tobacco consumption in any form, such as smoking cigars, cigarettes, pipes or chewing tobacco, puts a person at risk for getting esophageal cancer.
- Alcohol: The chances of developing esophageal cancer increase with the amount of alcohol intake.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): In GERD, there is backflow (reflux) of gastric juice from the stomach into the esophagus. Chronic reflux increases your chances of developing esophageal cancer.
- Barrett esophagus: Chronic GERD can cause the healthy cells of the esophagus to turn into abnormal cells known as gland cells. These gland cells put you at a greater risk for esophageal cancer than GERD alone.
- Achalasia cardia: The lower end of the esophagus fails to relax in achalasia cardia. This leads to food trapping that irritates the esophagus and puts you at risk for esophageal cancer.
- Lye: Lye is an ingredient found commonly in house cleaners. Its accidental ingestion can increase your risk for esophageal cancer.
- Diet: High intake of processed meat and frequently drinking very hot liquids can irritate the esophagus and increase your risk for esophageal cancer.
- Aflatoxins: Exposure to toxin-producing fungi can irritate the esophagus. These are found in the molds that grow on the improperly stored food grains.
Certain risk factors can also increase your chances of getting esophageal cancer. They include
- Obesity
- Increasing age (45-70 years)
- Male gender
- Physical inactivity
- Poor oral hygiene
- History of lung cancer, mouth cancer or throat cancer
- Prior surgery on the stomach (gastrectomy)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (rare cause)
- Rare conditions
- Tylosis (a hereditary disorder that causes extra growth on the esophagus)
- Plummer-Vinson syndrome (a condition in which webs develop in the upper parts of the esophagus)
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How is esophageal cancer treated?
Doctors need to consider a few factors before deciding on any treatment for esophageal cancer. These factors include the type of cells in the cancer and your age, overall health and personal preferences. The treatments include
- Surgery (removal of the tumor or cutting of the unhealthy esophagus with or without the upper part of the stomach)
- Chemotherapy (anticancer drugs to shrink the tumor)
- Radiation therapy (focusing high-energy beams on the tumor to destroy the cancer cells)
- Targeted therapy (using medications that target the processes responsible for cancer)
- Immunotherapy (using medications that use your immune system to fight cancer)
How can you prevent the risk of esophageal cancer?
Some risk factors of esophageal cancer cannot be modified, such as your age, gender, and hereditary link. You can, however, take a few steps to prevent other factors from increasing your chances of developing this cancer. These include
- Quit tobacco consumption: If you are not sure about how you will cope with quitting smoking and other forms of tobacco intake, talk to your doctor. Medications and counseling sessions can help you kick off the habit.
- Cut back on alcohol: Restrict alcohol intake to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
- High intake of fruits and vegetables: A diet high in fruits and vegetables seems to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.
- Keep your weight under check: Consume healthy foods and be physically active to maintain a healthy weight. If you want to shed off those extra pounds, try to aim for only 1 to 2 pounds per week.
- Go for regular monitoring for Barrett’s esophagus (a condition that affects the lower part of the esophagus)
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