There are two types of esophageal cancer depending on the type of malignant cells. The first type exists in the inner layer of the esophagus and consists of flat cells called squamous cells. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in these squamous cells and usually occurs in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus.
Another type, called adenocarcinoma, usually occurs at the base of the esophagus and is lined with columnar cells.
Esophageal cancer begins in the esophagus, but it can develop outside the esophageal wall and spread through the lymphatic system to other body parts such as bones, lungs, liver and brain.
What lifestyle can cause esophageal cancer?
Although squamous cell carcinoma is associated with alcohol and any type of tobacco use, adenocarcinoma is more associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The development of adenocarcinoma from Barrett's esophagus is considered relatively rare, but its number is increasing, higher than any other esophageal cancer.
symptom
- Chest pain or heartburn
Acid reflux is known to be one of the chief culprit in esophageal cancer. The esophageal lining is not an acidic liquid designed to be exposed to the stomach, so it can cause inflammation of the esophagus and produce a burning sensation or chest pain, also known as heartburn. Frequent exposure to gastric acid can damage the inner layer of the esophagus and convert squamous cells into glandular cells that are common in the gut. According to Dr. Romero, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic, this adaptation forms the Barrett's esophagus, which is more resistant to acid, but the risk of esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett's esophagus increases 30 to 125 times. Approximately 10% of patients with GERD develop the Barrett's esophagus, and the only way to confirm whether the patient has the disease is to have an endoscopy and biopsy, although endoscopy does not detect 100% of all BE cases. People with Barrett's esophagus usually seek help with GERD symptoms such as acid reflux or heartburn. Barrett's esophagus has no obvious symptoms, so if GERD patients do not have acid reflux symptoms, he/she may never realize the presence of BE.
Barrett's esophagus can become adenocarcinoma, the esophageal cancer that develops at the base of the esophagus.
- swallowing problem
People with esophageal cancer will find difficulty swallowing - whether it is liquid or solid food - and will suffer from pain when swallowed. Food may stick to the esophagus, and undigested food may be vomited when reflux occurs.
- Lose weight
Many people want to lose weight but definitely not because of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, as difficulty swallowing prevents them from eating enough food to maintain their weight. The uncontrolled development of cancer cells also increases the metabolism of these cells, and almost nothing can feed the remaining non-cancer cells.
- Blood vomiting and / or Tarry Stools
When cancer has spread to the intestines, it can cause blood vomiting, blood in the stool, and iron deficiency anemia.
Most cases of esophageal cancer are found later in the development of cancer, such as when patients are having difficulty swallowing. For this reason, cancer is considered to be highly lethal, with a 5-year survival rate below 15%. However, if Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed early, patients can develop action plans, such as lifestyle changes, regular physical exams, and any methods that can improve quality of life. Although we can't stop or cure Barrett's esophagus, a study by the Kaiser Permenente research department showed that drinking a glass of wine a day can reduce the risk of Barrett's esophagus by 56%.
Orignal From: Esophageal cancer - a deadly sign of acid reflux cancer
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