Esophageal Cancer
The esophagus is a long tube between the stomach and the throat that carries food to the stomach as part of the digestive process. Esophageal cancer is a cancer that occurs when cells anywhere along the esophagus mutate and grow abnormaly to form tumors. The incidence of esophageal cancer has been increasing. One factor contributing to this trend is greater prevalence of obesity.
Symptoms
The following symptoms may appear as the esophageal cancer begins to grow:
- Choking frequently while eating
- Pain when swallowing
- Pain in the chest or back
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Heartburn and Indigestion
- Hoarsness and coughing that lasts more than two weeks
Treatment Options for Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer can be treated successfully with a multimodality treatment. A combination of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy alone can be used, but if Surgery is performed, the combination of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy can also be given before or after the surgical procedure as a supplement to surgery.
Learn more about: Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer.