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What is cancer of the oesophagus?
The oesophagus (the gullet) is a tube-shaped organ that carries the food we eat from the mouth to the stomach.
Cancer of the oesophagus is a malignant disease that forms when the cells of the inside lining of the gullet multiply out of control.
The disease may cause no symptoms in its early stages. When it is diagnosed early, however, treatment can be more successful.
What are the symptoms?
The commonest symptom is difficulty in swallowing.
- Trouble swallowing solid food at first, and later liquids as well
- A feeling of food sticking in the chest
- Unintended weight loss
- Pain on swallowing
- Discomfort or pain in the chest
- Hoarseness or a cough that does not go away
Important: not every difficulty in swallowing means cancer. Difficulty in swallowing that is getting steadily worse, however, should always be investigated.
Who gets it more often?
- People who smoke and drink alcohol
- People with long-standing reflux disease and Barrett’s oesophagus
- People who are very overweight
- People with certain diseases of the gullet, such as achalasia
- Older people
Having these risk factors does not mean that cancer will necessarily develop.
How is it diagnosed?
The most important test is gastroscopy.
During gastroscopy the inside lining of the gullet is examined with a camera. If a suspicious area is seen, small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken.
The diagnosis is confirmed by examination of the biopsy by the pathologist.
If cancer is found, computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound or other tests may be needed to find out how far the disease has spread.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Cancer of the oesophagus is a treatable disease. How successful treatment is depends above all on the stage of the disease and the patient’s general health.
Depending on the disease, treatment may use endoscopic methods, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other drug treatments.
Some superficial cancers found at an early stage can be removed endoscopically, without the need for surgery.
When should you see a doctor?
You are advised to see a gastroenterologist, especially if you have difficulty in swallowing, a feeling of food sticking or unexplained weight loss.
Being unable to swallow anything, being unable to swallow even your saliva, or serious bleeding calls for emergency assessment.
Remember: early diagnosis can increase the treatment options and the chance of success.
Sources
- Prof. Ali Tüzün İnce, MD — personal endoscopy archive