oesophagal cancer, Introduction

	oesophagal cancer: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

:: About :: Causes :: Symptoms :: Treatment :: Further Reading

Search results last updated: 9/12/2008

About oesophagal cancer (Source: NHSDirect)

The oesophagus is the medical name for the gullet. It is part of the digestive system. The oesophagus is a long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach . The top part of oesophagus lies behind the windpipe (trachea). The bottom part runs down through the chest between the spine and the heart . The body is made up of millions of different types of cells. Cancer happens when some of the cells multiply in an abnormal way, causing a growth called a tumour to form. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can occur in any part of the body where the cells multiply abnormally. Cancer of the oesophagus is relatively rare in the UK, although it has become more common in the last 30 years. Currently, it accounts for approximately 3% of all cancer cases. Approximately 7,560 people are diagnosed with the condition each year. Men and people over the age of 55 are most commonly affected. There are two main types of cancer of the oesophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma - this cancer forms in the upper part of the oesophagus. It happens when cells on the inside lining of the oesophagus multiply abnormally. Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus - this cancer forms in the lower part of the oesophagus. It happens when cells inside the mucus glands that line the oesophagus multiply abnormally. (Mucous glands produce a slimy substance to help food slide down the oesophagus more easily). ... [ read more.. ]

Causes of oesophagal cancer (Source: NHSDirect)

The exact cause of oesophageal cancer is not yet known. However, there are several risk factors, which can increase your chances of developing this form of cancer. Alcohol Drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of developing a number of illnesses and conditions, including cancer of the oesophagus. Long-term, heavy drinking causes irritation and inflammation in the lining of the oesophagus. If the cells in the lining of your gullet become inflamed, it increases the chance of them becoming malignant (cancerous). Smoking Using any form of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes, will increase your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus. When you smoke tobacco, you always swallow some of the smoke, which contains many harmful toxins and chemicals. These substances irritate the cells which make up the lining of the oesophagus. This increases the chance of them becoming malignant . The longer you smoke, the greater the risk of your developing oesophageal cancer. If you smoke and drink heavily, this will also increase the risk of you developing the condition. Chronic acid reflux There is a valve (cardiac sphincter) between the stomach and the oesophagus. This valve normally only opens when food is ready to pass from the oesophagus into the stomach . Sometimes this valve becomes weakened, or relaxes at the wrong time. This condition is known as chronic acid reflux . If you have chronic acid reflux it means that acid from the stomach is able to travel up into the o ... [ read more.. ]

Symptoms of oesophagal cancer (Source: NHSDirect)

When cancer of the oesophagus first develops, it rarely causes any symptoms. This is because the tumour will initially be very small. It is only when the cancer starts to become larger, and more advanced that symptoms tend to develop. Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia) The most common symptom of cancer of the oesophagus is difficulty swallowing, a condition which is technically known as dysphagia. Although you will not normally experience any difficulty swallowing until the tumour has grown large enough to narrow your oesophagus to about half its normal width. When the tumour narrows your oesophagus, it makes it more difficult for food to pass down it. When you swallow, it can feel as though food is stuck in your gullet, as the muscles of the oesophagus try to push it past the tumour. You may find that you have to chew your food more thoroughly and carefully, or that you can only eat soft foods. If the tumour continues to grow, even liquids can be difficult to swallow. Other symptoms of oesophageal cancer are listed below. Unintentional weight loss - a tumour in the oesophagus can stop food passing down to the stomach , so you may find that you start to lose weight. Any form of cancer can also cause you to lose weight, because the illness changes the way your body processes nutrients. Coughing - you may find that you cough more, especially when swallowing. Vomiting - you are likely to vomit shortly after eating. This is because food in your oesophagus can sometimes become lodg ... [ read more.. ]

oesophagal cancer - Conventional Treatments (Source: NHSDirect)

Treatment for cancer of the oesophagus will depend on the type, location and stage of your cancer. It will also depend on your age, general health, and personal preferences. The first aim of treatment is to completely eliminate (remove) the tumour and any other cancerous cells in your body. If this is not possible, your doctors will focus on preventing your tumour from getting any bigger and causing any further harm to your body. In some cases, it is neither possible to eliminate the cancer, or slow down its progression. In this case, your treatment will aim to relieve your symptoms and to make you as comfortable as possible. Discussing your treatment Deciding on what treatment is best for you can be a difficult process. There is a lot to take in and consider. So it is important that you try and talk through your thoughts and decisions with a member of your family or friend. You should also make sure that you have a thorough discussion with your GP and doctor. They will be able to inform you of all the pros and cons, as well as the side effects of all the different treatments which are available to you. If at any stage you are unsure about, or do not understand the treatment options being explained to you - make sure you ask your GP or doctor to be more detailed. Types of treatment Cancer of the oesophagus can be treated in three main ways, which include: surgery, chemotherapy , and radiotherapy . Some forms of oesophageal cancer will only require one form of treatment, where ... [ read more.. ]

Further Reading on oesophagal cancer

oesophagal cancer ( NHSDirect )

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