Quite often, a terrible disease occurs in people - cancer of the esophagus. More often this ailment affects older people who for many years have bad habits. More and more, this form of cancer is found in men.
Esophageal carcinoma. Causes
There are a large number of factors that contribute to the emergence and further development of cancer of the esophagus. One of them is the excessive consumption of hot food. Another reason for the manifestation of the disease is alcohol abuse. This is especially true for surrogate drinks.
There is also a geographical factor. So, the disease is found in China, Asia and Iran. Doctors attribute this to the fact that the diet of local residents includes pickled dishes, mold mushrooms and roasting tea. In turn, they consume fresh vegetables and fruits to a lesser extent.
A deficiency of vitamins such as A and C can lead to cancer of the esophagus. The likelihood of a malignant tumor also arises in those cases if the esophagus has ever been burned with alkali at any time in life. Finally, severe diseases of the esophagus become the cause of the disease. Among them, achalasia or Barrett's esophagus.
Esophageal Cancer Symptoms
Esophageal cancer is characterized by symptoms that are suitable for other malignant diseases. Therefore, having felt their presence, you should definitely consult a doctor. Firstly, significant weakness and fatigue appear. Fatigue comes very quickly, therefore, performance also decreases. Secondly, the temperature can rise without any reason. Interest in food is constantly dying away. There may even be an aversion to food. Hence the weight loss.
As for the symptoms of esophageal cancer itself, they manifest themselves quite clearly. It all starts with the feeling that food does not pass well through the esophagus. At first, this feeling is very small, but each time it becomes stronger. This symptom reaches such an extent that it is even difficult for a patient to swallow saliva.
As the tumor grows, chest pains appear . More often they are burning in nature. The tone of the voice may change . With the progression of the disease, complications also develop:
- vomiting in the form of blood,
- esophageal bleeding
- the appearance of a through hole in the esophagus.
Absolutely all the complications that began to manifest themselves require immediate medical attention. Esophageal cancer metastases can affect the lungs, bones, liver, and even the brain.
Esophageal carcinoma. Diagnostics
There are three methods that together can detect cancer of the esophagus even in the early stages of development. This is an X-ray examination, biopsy and gastroscopy. To detect the spread of the tumor and the presence of metastases, they also resort to computed tomography, ultrasound of the liver, magnetic resonance therapy.
Esophageal Cancer Treatment
An effective method of treating a cancer of the esophagus is surgery. Often brings tangible benefits and radiation therapy. It happens that doctors prescribe a combined treatment option. Separately, chemotherapy is not used for this disease, since it will not be able to help the patient.
Surgical intervention for such a disease involves the complete removal of the esophagus. In order for the results to be better, after the surgery they also conduct radiation therapy.
Depending on the age of the patient, the size of the tumor and the presence of metastases, the prognosis for recovery of the patient may be different. It is necessary to consider cases individually.
Avoiding this form of cancer will help get rid of bad habits, as well as normalize your diet. Of course, it is necessary to detect diseases of the esophagus as early as possible so that they do not lead to such dire consequences.