A cancerous growth, more prevalent in individuals aged 50 and above, predominantly impacts the middle or lower esophagus, resulting in challenges with swallowing. Risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and individuals with specific esophageal conditions (like Barrett’s esophagus) also face an elevated risk.
The tumor frequently exists for a period before it initiates symptom development. Initial indications might involve discomfort and challenges in swallowing solids and/or liquids. As the condition advances, the patient experiences a deteriorating state where food is rapidly regurgitated and significant weight loss occurs. The backflow of regurgitated fluids into the trachea (windpipe) frequently leads to respiratory infections.
Diagnosis typically entails a barium swallow procedure to identify any blockage in the esophagus, along with a biopsy conducted during endoscopy to gather a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis.
Treatment options hinge on the extent of cancer’s spread to adjacent structures. Surgical removal of the esophagus might be feasible for localized and early-detected cancers. Radiotherapy could prompt regression of the cancer, alleviate symptoms, and occasionally lead to a cure in older patients who may not be suitable for extensive surgery. For symptom relief and enhanced nutrition, temporary relief can be achieved through the permanent placement of a rigid tube (stent) through the tumor or laser therapy to ablate it.
The prognosis is contingent upon the extent of cancer’s dissemination upon diagnosis. When there is no spreading and successful surgery is performed, over five years of survival is achieved for 50 percent of patients. In cases of more widespread cancer, fewer than 25 percent of patients manage to survive beyond one year.