ESOPHAGUS, CANCER OF

General Information

DEFINITION--A new growth of tissue in the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) in which cells multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. Cancer that begins in the esophagus (primary) usually occurs in the lower third of the esophagus where it passes through the chest.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Esophagus.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED

• Adults (age 50 and over).
• Both sexes, but more likely in men.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Swallowing difficulty or pain.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Regurgitation of bloody mucus.

CAUSES--Unknown. Most esophagus cancers are primary (begin there), but some spread from other body parts (secondary). It is not inherited.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Previous head and neck tumors.
• Celiac disease.

> Don't drink more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks--if any--

a day.

• Obtain medical treatment for any gastrointestinal disorder that lasts longer than 5 days.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Biopsy, CT scan, esophagoscopy (See Glossary for all).
• X-ray of the upper-intestinal tract.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--If treatment doesn't begin immediately, esophagus cancer spreads rapidly to the lungs and liver.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--This condition is currently considered incurable. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment offer the only chance of survival. In any case, symptoms can be relieved or controlled. Medical literature cites a few instances of unexplained recovery. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about esophageal cancer, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• Esophageal dilation therapy may help if swallowing is a problem. Ask your doctor.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Analgesics or narcotics to relieve pain.
• Tranquilizers to reduce anxiety.
• Anticancer drugs (sometimes).
• Anticholinergics or calcium-channel blockers for esophageal spasms.

ACTIVITY--Remain as active as possible.

DIET--

• Soft to liquid diet if necessary (see both in Appendix). Avoid chocolates, alcohol and fats.
• Prior to surgery, special nutritional support may be required (feeding tube with formula diet).

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of cancer of the esophagus, especially difficulty swallowing.
• Pain becomes intolerable despite treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.