Esophageal carcinoma

Esophageal cancer: causes, symptoms and treatment

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that is usually diagnosed in patients aged 55 years and older. This cancer occurs 3 times more often in men than in women. One of the most common forms of esophageal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Tumors can occur against the background of chronic esophagitis, peptic ulcers, chemical and thermal burns.

This type of cancer can be caused by systematic consumption of very hot foods, microburns and microtraumas of the esophagus, exposure to aflatoxins, nitrosamines, alcohol, as well as a lack of vitamins A and C. Esophageal cancer can have various forms, including ulcerative, verrucopapillomatous and infiltrating. Tumors are most often localized in the middle third of the esophagus (60%), then in the lower third (30%), and least often in the cervical region.

The main symptoms of esophageal cancer are dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing solid food initially, and then semi-liquid and liquid), pain when swallowing, salivation and weight loss. Patients may also experience dehydration due to difficulty eating. X-ray and endoscopic examination help to identify the level of narrowing of the esophagus, determine the size of the tumor and the presence of ulceration. The final diagnosis is made after a biopsy.

Patients with esophageal cancer may die from both complications associated with the primary tumor (perforation causing mediastinitis, wasting) and distant metastases (lymph nodes, lungs, liver).

The main method of treatment for esophageal cancer is surgical or combined (radiation therapy in combination with surgery). Palliative surgeries such as gastrostomy tube placement may also be performed. Radiation can be used as the only treatment method. Chemotherapy can be carried out using adriablastine, fluorouracil, methotrexate, cisplatin, bleomycin and prospidin.

To reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer, patients are advised to avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, eating very hot foods and contact with chemicals. Regular medical examinations will also help detect esophageal cancer at an early stage and begin treatment on time.

In conclusion, esophageal cancer is a serious disease that can lead to serious consequences. Early consultation with a doctor and timely treatment can save the patient's life. Patients need to monitor their health, avoid risk factors and undergo regular medical examinations, especially if they have a predisposition to this disease.