Oesophagus Cancer
Oesophagus Cancer Doctor in Kolkata
Oesophageal cancer ranks as the 10th most common cancer globally. It begins in the tissues of the oesophagus, the long muscular tube that sends food from one’s throat to the stomach. Symptoms often remain unnoticed until the cancer has advanced and spread. Book an appointment with the oesophagus oncologist in Kolkata will analyse your symptoms and recommend a treatment best suited to address this condition.
Symptoms of oesophagus cancer
Symptoms of oesophageal cancer may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain, pressure or a burning sensation
- Persistent coughing or hoarseness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Worsening indigestion or heartburn
The oesophagus oncologist in Kolkata offers the best treatment for the condition. Contact him if you experience these symptoms.
Causes of oesophagus cancer
Risk factors for esophageal cancer include:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Obesity
- Exposure to chemical fumes
- A family history of gastrointestinal disorders
- Inherited genetic conditions, such as Cowden syndrome or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS)
- Certain medical conditions, including Barrett’s oesophagus or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Types of Oesophagus cancer
Oesophageal cancer primarily consists of two main types, which are categorised based on the cells from which the cancer starts:
Adenocarcinoma
This kind of cancer begins in the glandular cells that line the oesophagus, often in the lower part near the stomach. It is the most common form of oesophageal cancer in the United States and is frequently associated with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s oesophagus.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type originates in the squamous cells that make up the lining of the oesophagus. It can occur anywhere along the oesophagus but is more common in the upper and middle sections. Squamous cell carcinoma is more prevalent in certain regions of the world, such as Asia and parts of Africa.
Other Less Common Types
While adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the predominant types, other rare forms of esophageal cancer can occur, including:
Small Cell Carcinoma
A rare and aggressive type that originates from neuroendocrine cells.
Sarcoma
Cancer that arises from connective tissues, such as muscles or blood vessels, within the oesophagus.
Lymphoma
Cancer of the lymphatic system that can also involve the oesophagus.
Carcinoid Tumours
These are slow-growing tumours that can occur in the oesophagus but are more commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.
Stages of Oesophagus cancer
The stages of oesophagus cancer are as follows:
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
Abnormal cells are found in the innermost layer of the oesophagus but have not spread beyond this layer.
Stage I
The cancer is small and has invaded the deeper layers of the oesophagus but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage II
The cancer may have grown larger and spread to nearby lymph nodes but is still localised to the oesophagus.
Stage III
The cancer has spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes, indicating a more advanced stage.
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to distant organs (metastasis), such as the liver, lungs, or bones. This stage is further classified into:
Stage IVA
The cancer may have spread to nearby organs but not to distant sites.
Stage IVB
The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
Diagnosis of oesophagus cancer
The doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They may perform the following tests to diagnose the condition:
Barium Swallow
This test involves a series of X-rays to examine your oesophagus. You will be asked to drink a liquid containing barium, which enhances the visibility of the oesophagus on the X-ray images.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
This scan helps doctors assess whether tumours have spread to your chest and abdomen.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to examine the inside of your oesophagus.
Esophageal Endoscopic Ultrasound
This test utilises sound waves to create images of the oesophagus interior and may be performed during an EGD.
Biopsy
During the EGD, doctors might remove a small tissue sample to analyse under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment of oesophagus cancer
The treatment for oesophagus cancer varies based on the stage and grade of the disease. The oesophagus oncologist in Kolkata provides the following treatments for this condition.
Radiation Therapy
This treatment aims at a radiation beam at the tumour to kill or damage cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells or inhibiting their growth.
Targeted Therapy
Some oesophagus cancer cells have a high level of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth. Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target these HER2 proteins.
Immunotherapy
This treatment employs immune checkpoint inhibitors to help restore the immune system’s ability to fight oesophagus cancer cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can oesophagus cancer be cured?
Oesophagus cancer can be cured, particularly when detected at an early stage. The likelihood of a cure depends on various factors, including stage, type and treatment of the cancer.
What is the prognosis for oesophageal cancer?
The prognosis for oesophagus cancer varies based on the stage at diagnosis, type of cancer, and the health of the patient. Early-stage cancers generally have a better prognosis.
What are the common symptoms of oesophagus cancer in females?
Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, persistent heartburn, unintentional weight loss, and coughing or hoarseness.
What can I expect during an oesophageal endoscopy?
Patients may receive sedation for comfort. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth to examine the oesophagus and may involve taking biopsies if abnormalities are found.
What lifestyle changes can help after a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer?
Adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress can help support recovery and overall health.