Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Incidence rates vary within different geographic locations.

Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus. Oesophagus is a long, hollow food pipe that runs from the throat to the stomach.

The function of esophagus is to move swallowed food from the throat to the stomach for further digestion process. The severity of esophageal cancer depends upon where it is located in the esophagus, size of growth and general condition of the patient.

Risk factors

●      Age: Esophageal cancer is most often diagnosed in people over age 50.

●      Gender: Esophageal cancer is more common in men than women.

●      Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

●      Addictions like Smoking and Alcohol consumption

●      Having precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus)

●      Obesity

●      Having difficulty swallowing because of an esophageal sphincter that won't relax (achalasia)

●      Having a steady habit of drinking very hot liquids

●      Unhealthy diet (Vitamin deficiencies: Some studies have linked esophageal cancer to deficiencies in beta-carotene, vitamin E, selenium, or iron)

●      Undergoing radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen

●      cancer of the head, neck, or lungs

●      Infection with human papillomavirus

●      Tylosis is a very rare inherited disease that causes excess skin growth on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet

●      Esophageal webs are abnormal bands of tissue that extend inward into the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

●      Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

●      Weight loss without trying

●      Chest pain, pressure or burning

●      Worsening indigestion or heartburn

●      Coughing or hoarseness

●      Pain in abdomen

●      Dark stool from digested blood, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting blood

Types of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is classified according to the type of cells that are involved. The type of esophageal cancer you have helps determine your treatment options. Types of esophageal cancer include:

●        Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the United States, and it affects primarily white men.

●        Squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are flat, thin cells that line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide.

●        Other rare types. Some rare forms of esophageal cancer include small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma and choriocarcinoma.

Complications

As esophageal cancer advances, it can cause complications, such as:

●        Obstruction of the esophagus. Due to tumors in Oesophagus, difficult for food and liquid to pass through your esophagus.

●        Pain. Advanced esophageal cancer can cause pain.

●        Bleeding in the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can cause bleeding. Though bleeding is usually gradual, it can be sudden and severe at times.

Prevention

●        Quit smoking and Alcohol Consumption

●        Nutritious Diet ( Add a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to your diet.)

●        Maintain a healthy weight

Treatment of Oesophageal Cancer

●      Surgery

●      Chemotherapy

●      Radiation Therapy

●      Targeted Therapy

●      Immunotherapy

Along with this Ayurveda, Homeopathy,Unani treatment is also a part of the treatment. Ayurveda treatment is best for prevention and treatment along with that maintaining quality of life.

Supportive Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

Supportive therapy is treatment aimed at preventing or relieving symptoms

●      Feeding tube

●      Esophageal dilation

●      Pain Management

Along with this special care for patients' physical, emotional, and mental health is important. Hopes, patience and positive attitude of the patient and patient’s family members are more important factors of treatment.

When received treatment right treatment with an on-time diagnosis, we can overcome diseases like Cancer without Complication.