General Information About Esophageal Cancer
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
These are malignant masses that start from the inner lining of the esophagus and grow rapidly, blocking the swallowing pathway and having a high potential to spread to surrounding lymph nodes.
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: It is usually seen in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus. It is directly associated with smoking, alcohol, and very hot drinks.
2. Adenocarcinoma: It is seen in the lower part of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. It is associated with stomach acid backing up (reflux) and obesity.
In chronic gastric reflux that lasts for years and is left untreated, stomach acid constantly burns the lower end of the esophagus. To protect itself from the acid, the esophagus changes its own cell type to the stomach cell type. This cellular change is called Barrett's Esophagus, and this condition greatly increases the risk of turning into cancer (Adenocarcinoma).
The most important and common symptom is Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia). Initially, solid foods (meat, bread) get stuck in the throat/chest, and the patient tries to push them down by drinking water. As the tumor grows, swallowing even liquids becomes impossible. Painful swallowing (Odynophagia), regurgitation of food, burning behind the breastbone, hoarseness, persistent cough, and rapid weight loss are other symptoms.
Every patient experiencing difficulty swallowing should undergo an Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) without delay. The tumor is seen with an endoscope, and a biopsy (tissue sample) is taken for a definitive diagnosis. EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) and PET-CT are performed to see how deep the cancer has gone and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes.
The treatment is determined by the council based on the stage of the tumor and the patient's condition. In early stages (only in the mucosa), the tumor can be removed non-surgically by peeling it from the inside with endoscopy (ESD/EMR).
In advanced stages, the primary treatment is the Esophagectomy (Surgery) procedure. The diseased part of the esophagus is cut and removed, and a new esophagus is made from the stomach or large intestine and sutured to the pharyngeal tube. To increase the success of the surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy (Radiation) are absolutely applied before and after.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
