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Esophageal Cancer: Causes, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Cost

Esophageal Cancer: Causes, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Cost

Esophageal cancer is the development of abnormal cells that divide in the uncontrolled manner in any part of the esophagus and forms esophageal tumor.

Esophageal cancer is the development of abnormal cells that divide in the uncontrolled manner in any part of the esophagus and forms esophageal tumor. Tumors arise in mucosa which is the lining of esophagus and is the 8th most common cancer worldwide.

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophagus is the long tubular structure which connects pharynx to stomach. It is also called food pipe as it is the passage through which food reaches to stomach from mouth. Any disease or abnormality in esophagus can affect the body and the digestive system of patient. One such disease is the esophageal cancer; esophageal cancer is the condition when body develops some abnormal cells in any part of the esophagus that can grow in uncontrolled manner and leads to the formation of mass of cells called tumors. This cancer commonly involves the cells of mucosa which covers the lining of esophagus. 

Causes of Esophageal Cancer

Some identified risk factors that can lead to the cause of esophageal cancer are:

Causes of Esophageal Cancer

  • Consumption of tobacco items like smoking and smokeless

  • Heavy alcohol consumption

  • Obesity

  • Chronic heartburn and acid reflux

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Barrett’s esophagus

  • Family history

  • Occupational exposure to certain chemicals and radiations

Types of Esophageal Cancer

There are different types of esophageal cancers depending on the type of cells involved. Different types of esophageal cancers respond to the different treatment options, types of esophageal cancer include:

  • Adenocarcinoma: Cancer in the gland cells of esophagus which are present in the bottom of esophagus

  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer involves squamous cells which are present on the upper part of esophagus

  • Other rare types of esophageal cancers: These include small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma and choriocarcinoma

Diagnosis of the Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer diagnosis can be done by various methods like: 

  • Imaging tests: Tests like 

  • Endoscopic Ultrasonography

  • Endoscopy with Biopsy also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Book Now)

  • Barium swallow also called esophagram

  • Endoscopic confocal microscopy

Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer treatment depends on cancer stage and grade some treatments include:

  • Esophageal Surgery (Esophagectomy): In this case the cancerous tumor is removed from the patient

  • Radiation therapy: This approach uses the radiation to limit or kill the cancer cells in the body.

  • Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): Used to treat very early stage esophageal cancers.

  • Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): Used to remove the mucous lining tumors of esophagus.

  • Photodynamic therapy: Photosensitizer drugs are used to destroy the tumors by light activation mechanism

  • Chemotherapy: In this procedure, some drugs are used to target the specific sites of cancers to reduce the effect, but the side effects are severe.

  • Immunotherapy: This approach uses medications to boost the immune response and fights the cancer cells.

  • Targeted therapy: Drugs target the only cancerous cells without harming the normal cells of the body.

These are the treatments available for the treatment of esophageal cancer. With the technology development and evolution of new advanced medicines, new approaches are coming up to counter the disease.

Prevention of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is one of the good numbers of death causes through cancer, precautions and prevention can greatly reduce the mortality rate worldwide. Here are some common and effective preventions and precautions to counter the disease.

Prevention of Esophageal Cancer

  • Avoid tobacco related products and alcohol.

  • Having vaccines against HPV (Human papillomavirus) infection

  • Seek treatment for reflux and heartburns

  • Maintain your weight

  • Eat healthy and balanced diet.

  • Go for regular stomach cancer screening tests

What is the Cost of the Esophageal Cancer Screening Test in Delhi?

The cost of esophageal cancer screening test in Delhi depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostics for esophageal cancer screening tests as they provide best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and having expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)

Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic?

Ganesh Diagnostic has the expertise in quality healthcare tests and scans from decades, having best in class doctors and facilitation. Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365 days facility. The test results are 100 % accurate which help the patients to get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery. The quality is backed by the NABH and NABL accreditations, NABH is for highest standard care and services provided to patients and NABL reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment at national and international standards. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity and book an appointment. (Book Now) 

Conclusion

Esophageal cancer is the cancer of esophagus or food pipe. Patient can avoid the risks by avoiding smoking, eat healthy, seek treatment for reflux and heartburns and regular screening for the disease can minimize the effect and can be treated at early stage without much damage.

FAQs

What is esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells or tissues in any part of the esophagus leading to the formation of tumors. 

When are the different types of esophageal cancers?

There are different types of esophageal cancers which include Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and other rare types.

How to detect esophageal cancer early?

Do not avoid the symptoms related to the esophageal cancer and go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. (Click for screening)

What are the risks associated with tests of esophageal cancer?

There are no such risks associated with esophageal cancer tests, when conducted in presence of healthcare expert and at good healthcare facility with proper guidelines and protocols.

What is the cost of Esophageal cancer screening in Delhi?

Cost depends on area and healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh diagnostic for discounts and best facility. (Book Now)