Esophageal Cancer Injury

In the long run, stomach acid reflux can cause damage to the internal lining of the esophagus. This could lead to cancer, also known as squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC).

Smoking and excessive drinking increase the chance of developing esophageal cancer. So does being overweight.

The higher iron content and cooking methods used in red meat could increase the risk of developing esophageal carcinoma.

Symptoms

Inhaling or consuming caustic chemicals can cause severe chemical burns, Esophageal cancer Railroad cancer also known as squamous-cell carcinoma, in the linings of the esophagus. Ingestion of lye, the most common cause of squamous cell cancer in the esophagus, however, other caustic substances such as oven and drain cleaners as well as swimming pool products, hair relaxers, laundry detergents, disk batteries and battery acid can damage the lining of the esophagus. These chemicals can cause scar tissue to form in the region of injury, causing a narrowing of the esophagus. Up to half of people with a stricture will develop cancerous squamous-cells in the area, years or even decades later.

The esophagus is a tube-like structure that runs from the throat to the stomach. It carries swallowed food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus houses cells that produce mucus. This protects the lining. Cancer that develops within these cells can develop into other tissues and then spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body.

Most esophageal carcinomas do not display symptoms until they are advanced. If they do, they often cause difficulties swallowing (dysphagia) because the tumor expands and impedes the passage of food. People who experience these symptoms should see their doctor however, it is important to remember that they could also be caused by other health issues.

Diagnosis

The esophagus extends from the throat to the stomach. The lining of the esophagus secretes mucus which helps lubricate and protect it. The esophagus is a cancerous organ when abnormal cells develop out of control, and they destroy the surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

Esophageal cancer is typically found in the lining, but it can also occur in the muscle layer and the outer wall. Squamous cell cancer is the most frequent kind of esophageal carcinoma. It is formed from thin flat cells that line many organs, including the esophagus. Other kinds of esophageal carcinoma such as lymphoma or adenocarcinoma, can sometimes be discovered in conjunction with it.

Chronic heartburn can increase your risk of developing esophageal carcinoma. Acidic stomach acid can cause GERD (gastroesophageal re-flux disease) which can damage the lining of your stomach and lead to cancerous gland cells.

A doctor can detect cancer of the esophagus by looking at the esophagus and throat as well as conducting several other tests. These include an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) -- during this test, a doctor inserts a flexible tube down your throat into the esophagus and stomach to check the tissue for abnormal cells. The doctor may also collect an extract of the tissue to test (biopsy).

Treatment

The cancerous cells begin to develop in the tissues that line the esophagus. The most prevalent esophageal cancer is referred to as squamous cancer. It can be found in the mucosa layer, the thin muscles or a thicker layer of the esophagus wall. Adenocarcinoma is a different type of esophageal cancer. It is a type of cancer that arises from glandular cell and occurs usually in the lower esophagus near the stomach. These cancers can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body including the lungs and liver.

To determine the best treatment for you first, you need to determine how far the cancer has spread. Your doctor can utilize an imaging test to determine the extent of the cancer. The esophagus is examined using X-rays after the harmless liquid barium was swallowed. This provides your doctor with an excellent view of the tissue of your esophagus. Other tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast, positron emission (PET) scan and thoracoscopy will help determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most effective treatment options for esophageal carcinoma are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Additionally, some patients benefit from medical procedures like endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or cryotherapy. Esophageal Cancer railroad cancer cancer treatment requires an integrated approach. At UVA, our gastroenterologists as well as specialists in medical and radiation oncology collaborate to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

The following is a list with preventions.

Ingestable substances, Esophageal Cancer railroad Cancer like lye, can increase the risk of esophageal carcinoma by altering or damaging cells within the lining. These changes are more likely than not to result in an adenocarcinoma. Squamous-cell tumors are more frequent in men and older people. Alcohol and tobacco use are modifiable risk factor for the esophageal cancer.

Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of developing squamous cell cancer in the esophagus a number of times over, and heavy alcohol use is also linked to this kind of cancer. These risk factors can't be changeable, but you can lessen the chance of developing esophageal cancer by not smoking cigarettes and limiting your consumption of alcohol.

Barrett's esophagus can be another cause that can increase your chances of developing cancer of the esophagus. The condition develops when the stomach's lining is replaced by tissue that appears more like the stomach's lining. This condition may require that those suffering from this condition be regularly examined for precancerous cells by undergoing regular endoscopies.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently reclassified the carcinogen acetaldehyde found in alcoholic beverages as group 1 (probably carcinogenic to humans). This reassessment is related to an alteration in the ALDH2 enzyme, which causes an increase in the amount of acetaldehyde present in saliva, blood and breath following drinking. The study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that this variant is associated with a higher risk of esophageal cancer squamous cell cancer.