ESOPHAGUS CANCER

 Basic information

description

Esophagus cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the esophagus. This is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. This type of cancer usually affects adults over age 60 and both sexes, but is more common in men.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Early cancer does not usually cause symptoms.
• Swallowing difficulty that gradually gets worse.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Chronic cough. May cough up blood.
• Hoarseness.
• Feeling weak and tired.
• Nausea and vomiting.

causes

Unknown. Risk factors for one type of cancer are due to smoking or alcohol use. Risk factors for a second type of cancer are due to esophageal conditions. Most esophagus cancers are primary (they begin there). Some are secondary (they spread from cancer elsewhere in the body).

risk increases with

• Ages over 60 and male.
• Smoking (including cigarettes, pipes, or cigars) or smokeless tobacco.
• Excess alcohol use.
• Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition).
• Previous esophagus, head, or neck cancer.
• Hiatal hernia.
• Esophageal stricture.
• Chronic gastric reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD).
• Previous radiation therapy to the chest.
• Obesity (may be due to link with reflux disease).
• Celiac disease or human papilloma virus infection.
• Family history of cancer.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• None specific. Avoid risk factors where possible.
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid alcohol or limit its use. Lose weight if overweight.
• Obtain medical care for any gastrointestinal disorders.

expected outcomes

Recovery improves if diagnosed at an early stage. The diagnosis often comes too late for effective treatment, but symptoms can be relieved or controlled. Research into causes and treatment continues.

possible complications

If treatment is delayed, esophagus cancer can spread rapidly to the lungs, liver, brain, and bones.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about any symptoms. A number of medical tests will be done. The tests first help diagnose the cancer and then determine if it has spread (staging).
• Treatment varies and depends on the location and size of the tumor, any spread of the cancer, your health, age, and preferences.
• Treatment may include chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) and/or radiation therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, photodynamic therapy, and others.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs and radiation therapy uses radiation to attack the cancer cells. Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. Photodynamic therapy combines drugs with laser use.
• Surgery may be performed to remove the tumor if the cancer has not spread in the body. Procedures may be done to allow passage of food and liquids.
• Treatment may involve steps to relieve symptoms and make you comfortable, rather than treating the cancer.
• Stop smoking or the use of any tobacco product.
• Counseling may help you cope with having cancer.
• To learn more: Esophageal Cancer Awareness Assn., PO Box 55071 #15530; Boston, MA 02205; (800) 801-0613; website: www.ecaware.org.

medications

Your health care provider may prescribe: anticancer drugs, pain relievers, antianxiety drugs, and drugs for esophageal spasms. Drugs for immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy may be used in treatment.

activity

Remain as active as possible.

diet

Eating may be difficult, but good nutrition is vital for healing. A dietitian can help with meal planning.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of cancer of the esophagus, especially difficulty swallowing.
• Pain or symptoms get worse despite treatment.

Special Notes: