6 signs of esophageal cancer

In the early stages, esophageal cancer often has no symptoms; as the tumor develops, the patient may experience painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, prolonged cough, coughing up blood, etc.

The esophagus is the digestive tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. It lies just behind the trachea. In adults, the esophagus is about 25 cm long.

Cancer originating from the esophagus includes two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma depending on the type of cancer cells. It can also invade most other parts of the body including the liver, lungs, brain, bones...

According to doctors at the Central Cancer Hospital (Hanoi), in the early stages, esophageal cancer often has no symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, the following signs may appear:

- Painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing.

- Lose a lot of weight.

- Pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades.

- Sore throat or persistent cough.

- Vomit.

- Coughing up blood.

These symptoms may be caused by esophageal cancer or another condition. If you have these symptoms, you should see your doctor for a check-up.

To diagnose esophageal cancer, doctors often order patients to perform tests such as esophageal imaging with contrast agents; esophageal endoscopy. If there is suspicion of an abnormal area of ​​the esophagus, the doctor can take cell and tissue samples for pathological anatomy, from which cancerous tissue or abnormalities leading to cancer or other damage can be seen.

Treatment depends on several factors, including the size, location, spread of the tumor, and the patient's general condition. Surgery is the main treatment for esophageal cancer. Usually, the tumor is removed along with part or all of the esophagus, nearby lymphatic tissue, and other tissues in the area. The remaining esophagus is connected to the stomach so that the patient can continue swallowing normally. In some cases, the connection may be made with a piece of small intestine or a plastic tube.Besides, there are methods such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy...

The best way to prevent the disease is to quit or never smoke and limit alcohol consumption. Researchers continue to look for ways to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by changing your diet and increasing your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

According to VNE