Esophageal carcinoma

Quite often there is a terrible disease in people - cancer of the esophagus. More often this disease affects the elderly, 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 onset and further development of esophageal cancer. One of them is excessive consumption of hot food. Another reason for the manifestation of the disease is alcohol abuse. Especially it concerns surrogate drinks.

There is also a geographical factor. So, the disease occurs in China, Asia and Iran. Doctors attribute this to the fact that the diet of local residents includes pickled dishes, mushrooms with mold and scalding tea. In turn, they use less fresh vegetables and fruits.

Deficiency of such vitamins as A and C, can lead to esophageal cancer. The likelihood of a malignant tumor arises even in cases where the esophagus has been burned with alkali at any time. Finally, serious illnesses of the esophagus become the cause of the appearance of the disease. Among them is achalasia or Barrett's esophagus.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is characterized by symptoms that are suitable for other malignant diseases. Therefore, having felt their presence, it is necessary to consult with a doctor. First, there is considerable weakness and fatigue. Fatigue comes very quickly, therefore, and working capacity decreases. Secondly, for no reason can the temperature rise. For food, interest is constantly fading. There may even be an aversion to food. Hence the weight loss.

As for the symptoms of esophageal cancer itself, they appear quite vividly. It all starts with the feeling that food does not go through the esophagus badly. At first this feeling is quite small, but every time it becomes stronger. This symptom reaches such an extent that it can even be difficult for the patient to swallow saliva.

With the growth of the tumor there are pains in the chest. More often they have a burning character. The timbre of the voice can change . With the progression of the disease, complications develop:

• Vomiting in the form of blood,
• Bleeding in the esophagus,
• The emergence of a through hole in the esophagus.

Absolutely all the complications that began to manifest need immediate medical attention. Metastases of esophageal cancer can affect the lungs, bones, liver and even the brain.

Esophageal carcinoma. Diagnostics

There are three methods that together can detect esophageal cancer even in the early stages of development. This is an x-ray study, a biopsy and a gastroscopy. To detect the spread of the tumor and the presence of metastases, computer tomography, ultrasound of the liver, magnetic resonance therapy are also used.

Treatment of esophageal cancer

Surgical intervention is an effective method of treating a malignant tumor of the esophagus. Often brings a tangible benefit and radiation therapy. It happens that doctors prescribe a combined treatment option. Separately, chemotherapy in this disease is not used, because it can not help the patient.

Surgical intervention in such a disease implies the complete removal of the esophagus. For the results to be more good, after the operation, also radiation therapy is carried out.

Depending on the age of the patient, the size of the tumor and the presence of metastases, the prognosis for the patient's recovery may be different. It is necessary to consider cases individually.

Avoid this form of cancer will help get rid of bad habits, as well as normalizing the diet. Of course, it is necessary to detect diseases of the esophagus as early as possible so that they do not lead to such serious consequences.