Esophageal cancer is a malignant lesion that usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the organ. It is the eighth most recurrent type of cancer in the world and the incidence in men is about twice as high as in women.
Every two years, 11,390 new cases are diagnosed in Brazil, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca). Oncologist Marcos França, from Hospital Santa Marta, in Brasília, explains that there are two types of cancer in the esophagus: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
More on the subject
-
Football
Esophageal cancer: former goalkeeper says he has only six months to live
-
Health
Chagas disease: complication in the esophagus may be genetic, says study
-
Health
Colon cancer: know the main symptoms of the disease that killed Pelé
-
Health
Know what to do to relieve reflux symptoms
Types of esophageal cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor more related to smoking and high intake of alcoholic beverages, according to França. Generally, this type of cancer leads to the patient’s weight loss due to the difficulty of passing food through the esophagus, points out the doctor.
Adenocarcinoma-type cancer occurs when there is gastroesophageal reflux. This return of stomach acid to the esophagus increases the risk of injury to the end of the organ, facilitating tumor development.
Symptoms
According to França, the symptoms depend on the location of the lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma, for example, affects the upper or middle part of the organ, causing some problems such as:
- Swallowing difficulty;
- Pain to swallow;
- Weight loss;
- Indigestion.
The symptoms of adenocarcinoma, which are usually confused with the signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease, are:
- Sensation of pain in the central part of the chest;
- Burning sensation;
- Regurgitation of the reflux itself;
- Difficulty passing food;
- Weight loss in more advanced cases.
What is the first warning sign?
The first and big warning sign, according to the oncologist, is when the patient has difficulty eating.
window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: “thumbnails-c-3×1”, container: “taboola-mid-article”, placement: “Mid Article”, target_type: “mix” });
“When he cannot swallow easily, feels the food ‘stuck’, or that food is not properly processed, it is necessary to seek medical help”, he says.
The second sign is weight loss, especially if it is very pronounced. Other common signs resulting from severe weight loss are weakness, indisposition, anemia and swelling of the legs, among others.
How can esophageal cancer affect other areas of the body?
According to França, the cancer can invade the structures around the esophagus, where the trachea passes, for example. The patient may have, in addition to difficulty swallowing, breathing problems and start spitting up blood. In the case of metastasis, the tumor can migrate to the liver, lymph nodes, lung and other organs.
How to lower the risk of cancer?
According to the oncologist, reducing the consumption of alcoholic beverages, mainly spirits, and avoiding smoking are some important measures to reduce the chances of developing cancer. In addition, people suffering from reflux need to do routine follow-up with a gastroenterologist.
How is the treatment?
Like any disease, treatment for esophageal cancer depends on how advanced the tumor is. Points that influence treatment, according to the oncologist, are where the disease is located and whether it has already moved to another organ.
The patient’s clinical condition also influences the therapeutic approach. For example, if the individual is very thin and with signs of weakness, first the malnutrition will be treated and then the cancer will begin to be dealt with.
Therapy may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy or even surgery. If caught at an early stage, esophageal cancer can be cured.
Get news from metropolises on your Telegram and stay on top of everything! Just access the channel: https://t.me/metropolesurgente.
The post Esophageal cancer: find out what types and main symptoms are first appeared on Metropolis.
