Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer starts when abnormal cells grow in the esophagus. Knowing the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options can make a big difference in catching it early and managing it effectively.

 

A medical illustration of the esophagus and stomach, highlighting where abnormal cell growth can lead to esophageal cancer

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the lining or tissues of the esophagus.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer, classified by the type of cell where the cancer begins:

Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the flat, thin cells, or squamous cells, that line the inner part of the esophagus.

Adenocarcinoma begins in the mucus-secreting glandular cells of the esophagus.

Early detection is critical. Because the esophagus is flexible and can expand around a tumor, symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is advanced.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of esophageal cancer is not always clear, chronic irritation of the esophagus is a major contributing factor. Different factors increase the risk for the two different types of cancer.

Some risk factors include:

Chronic acid reflux is the primary risk factor.

A condition where the lining of the esophagus changes due to chronic acid exposure. This is a significant precursor to adenocarcinoma.

Achalasia is a rare condition where the lower esophageal muscle (sphincter) doesn't relax properly to let food into the stomach.

Smoking or using smokeless tobacco is a primary cause.

Heavy, long-term alcohol use damages the cells lining the esophagus.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

In its early stages, esophageal cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the tumor grows, it can narrow the esophagus, leading to noticeable changes in swallowing and digestion.

Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty Swallowing: This is the most common symptom.
  • Unintentional Weight Loss: Many patients lose weight because eating becomes painful or difficult.
  • Chest Pain: Pressure or burning in the middle of the chest.
  • Indigestion or Heartburn: Worsening or persistent burning sensations.
  • Hoarseness or Coughing: A chronic cough or change in voice.
  • Food Impaction: Food getting stuck in the esophagus.

Diagnosing Esophageal Cancer

Accurate diagnosis and staging (determining how far the cancer has spread) are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic procedures typically include:

A flexible tube with a camera is passed down the throat to examine the esophagus. If abnormal areas are found, a biopsy (tissue sample) is taken to test for cancer cells.

This procedure uses sound waves to create detailed images of the esophageal wall and surrounding lymph nodes. It is essential for determining how deeply the tumor has grown into the wall of the esophagus.

CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs are used to check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment and Management for Esophageal Cancer

Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the type of cells involved, the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences.

Treatment strategies may include:

For very early-stage cancers or pre-cancerous cells (like high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus), procedures such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) can be used to remove or destroy the abnormal tissue without major surgery.

The most common treatment for early-stage cancer that has not spread. It involves removing the part of the esophagus containing the tumor.

These are often used in combination before surgery to shrink the tumor, or as the primary treatment if surgery is not an option.

Find Care for Esophageal Cancer in Westlake or Brooklyn, OH

Facing a diagnosis of esophageal cancer is challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. The compassionate team at North Shore Gastroenterology provides the expertise, advanced diagnostics, and supportive care you need.

Contact us today at (440) 808-1212 or request an appointment online to schedule a visit.