Esophageal Cancer
(Cancer of the Esophagus)

*Esophageal cancer facts Medically Edited by: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD

• The esophagus in adults is a muscular tube about 10 inches long that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach composed of a mucosal lining, submucosa, muscle tissue and an outer covering layer of cells.
• Cancer cells are malignant growth of body cells that often form tissue masses or tumors that can spread to other organs.
• The two main types of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Risk factors for both types are age 65 or greater, male sex, smoking, heavy drinking, a diet poor in fruits and vegetables, obesity, acid reflux, and Barrett's esophagus.
• Common symptoms of esophageal cancer include food getting stuck in the esophagus and vomiting, pain with swallowing, chest and/or back pain, heartburn, weight loss and a hoarse voice.
• Diagnosis is performed by a barium swallow test, endoscopy and biopsy (definitive test)
• There are five stages of esophageal cancer – Stages 0 to IV, with 0 being the least invasive and IV the most aggressive with spread to distant organs.
• Treatment of this cancer is individually based on the patient's health and cancer stage; the options vary from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these options (also, some patients may be considered for laser or photodynamic therapy)
• Surgery for this cancer may involve part or all of the esophagus; other structures (part of the stomach, lymph nodes or other parts of affected organs may be removed).
• Radiation therapy uses high energy rays focused to kill cancer cells; it is often used together with chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells; it is often used together with radiation and/or surgery and often requires cycles or repeated doses of drugs.
• In general, patients are encouraged to get a second opinion about their diagnosis and treatment for esophageal cancer.
• Side effects of treatment for esophageal cancer may include the need for supportive care to control pain, pneumonia, difficulty in swallowing, depression, nausea, vomiting, requiring a feeding tube, requiring a special diet, weight loss, and may need vitamin and mineral supplements
• Follow-up care for monitoring and or additional treatments is usually required
• Support groups exist for esophageal cancer patients; they include the patient's treatment team, social workers, counselors, clergy and many others.
• Research about esophageal cancer is ongoing; the treating doctors may be able to link patients to other researchers that are doing clinical trials of the newest treatments for this cancer.
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers an extensive amount of information about cancers, including esophageal cancer (1-800-422-6237).

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/esophageal_cancer/article.htm