Symptoms of esophageal cancer
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain, pressure, or burning sensation
- Worsening indigestion or heartburn
- Coughing and hoarseness
Risk factors
- Heavy alcohol intake
- Esophageal sphincter disorders
- Drinking very hot liquids
- Having bile reflux
- Having gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Eating few fruits and vegetables
- Obesity
- Barrett’s esophagus—precancerous changes in the cells of esophagus
- Smoking
Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach to be digested, and usually begins in the cells that line the insideof the esophagus. In general, more men are diagnosed with this type of cancer than women.
Treatment options for esophageal cancer
There are several different treatment options for patients with esophageal cancer. Treatment types and combinations generally depend on where the cancer is located, if the cancer has spread, and your personal symptoms and health.
The most common treatment options include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
