Esophageal Cancer

Best Treatment for Esophageal Cancer in Hyderabad, India

Esophageal Cancer Treatment At CARE Hospitals In India 

Esophageal cancer is a cancer type that occurs in the esophagus (food pipe). Our food pipe is a long, hollow, and narrow tube. It connects the throat to the stomach. The food is processed in the stomach and is delivered via the pipe from the throat.

Esophageal cancer can occur in the lining of the esophageal cells. It can multiply at any site in the esophagus. Food pipe cancer affects men more than women.

Esophageal carcinoma is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Infections can differ from place to place. Tobacco, alcohol use, specific food habits, and obesity, may be linked to esophageal cancer in specific regions. The best suitable treatment is provided at CARE Hospitals in India.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is categorized based on the specific cell types involved, influencing the available treatment options. The various types of esophageal cancer are:

• Adenocarcinoma: Originating in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus, adenocarcinoma is predominantly found in the lower part of the esophagus. This type is most prevalent among white men and represents the most common form of esophageal cancer in the United States.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma arises from flat, thin cells lining the esophageal surface. It is more frequently located in the upper and middle sections of the esophagus and holds the position of being the most widespread form of esophageal cancer globally.
• Other Rare Types: Beyond adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, there are uncommon forms of esophageal cancer, including small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma, and choriocarcinoma.

Causes of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the tissues of the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The exact cause of esophageal cancer is often complex and can involve various factors. Some common causes and risk factors associated with the development of esophageal cancer include:

• Tobacco Use: Smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption are significant risk factors for esophageal cancer. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can damage the cells lining the esophagus, increasing the likelihood of cancer development.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Chronic and heavy alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for esophageal cancer. The combination of alcohol and tobacco use significantly amplifies the risk.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux, where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, can cause irritation and inflammation. Over time, this may contribute to the development of Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• Barrett's Esophagus: Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. Individuals with Barrett's esophagus have an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with an elevated risk of esophageal cancer, particularly esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• Dietary Factors: A diet low in fruits and vegetables and deficient in certain vitamins and minerals may contribute to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Additionally, the consumption of very hot beverages may be a contributing factor in some populations.
• Age and Gender: Esophageal cancer is more common in older individuals, and men are generally more at risk than women.
• Environmental and Occupational Exposures: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as asbestos, may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Occupational exposures in certain industries may also play a role.
• Radiation Therapy: Previous radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen for conditions such as lymphoma or other cancers may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

There are a lot of symptoms and signs associated with esophageal cancer. The following signs are-

• Difficulty swallowing or dysphagia

• Weight loss without trying

• Chest pain

• Chest pressure

• Chest burning

• Worsening indigestion

• Heartburn

• Coughing 

• Hoarseness

The nature of symptoms may vary from individual to individual. It can be due to age, prior health conditions, genetics, and lifestyle.

Risks of Esophageal Cancer

Chronic conditions like irritation of esophagus can increase esophageal cancer. There are factors that can cause irritation and increase the risk of the cancer-like-

• Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Smoking

• Having precancerous changes

• Barrett’s Condition

• Being obese

• Drinking alcohol

• Having bile reflux

• Having difficulty swallowing 

• Having a habit of drinking extremely hot beverages.

• Not eating enough fibre like fruits and vegetables

• Getting radiation treatment

There are other complications related with esophageal cancer such as-

• Food obstructions- your food and liquid may be stuck.

• Pain

• Bleeding- can be sudden or severe.

Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer

There are various tests and procedures to diagnose esophageal cancer. Before the tests, the doctor will ask you about the medical history along with the physical examinations.

The tests include-

• Barium Swallow Study- one is required to swallow a liquid that has barium. X-rays are conducted to know the changes in the tissues after the barium layering of the esophagus.

• Endoscopy- It is used to examine the esophagus under the scope. A flexible tube is inserted with a video lens in the throat that will examine the food pipe. It will analyse the areas of cancer-irritated sites. 

• Biopsy- The testing is done on a tissue sample with the help of a proper scope to collect the suspicious or irritated tissue. Laboratory tests further confirm cancer cells.

A confirmatory diagnosis is further conducted to know the extent of cancer. It will help doctors to know the extent of the spread. Tests include-

• Bronchoscopy

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

• Computerised tomography (CT)

• Positron emission tomography (PET)

These tests would help the medical professional to allocate the stage of cancer- these are represented in Roman numerals from 0 to IV. The IV is in an advanced stage and is said to have spread to the body. The treatments are given according to the cancer stage diagnosed.

Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad depends on-

• Type of cancer cells

• Cancer’s stage

• Health

• Preferences 

There are 3 major treatments given to cancer patients at CARE Hospitals- Surgery, Radiation Therapy, and Chemotherapy.

Surgery

The following are the types of surgeries involved in the Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad-

• Removal of small tumours- The margin of healthy tissue along with the small affected section of cancer can be removed in this surgery. It can be done using endoscopy to track the status of the area affected.

• Removal of a portion of esophagus- This is also known as esophagectomy. The affected portion is removed along with the stomach’s upper part. The surrounding lymph nodes are also removed. Surgeons pull the stomach to connect the remaining esophagus to it. 

• Removal of the upper portion of the stomach and esophagus- A larger part of the stomach along with the lymph nodes and esophagus is removed in this process. A colon might be used to join the remaining stomach with the esophagus.

Chemotherapy 

• It is defined as the drug treatment against cancer.

• The drugs are mainly used before the surgery; being called neoadjuvant. They can also be used after being called adjuvant. 

• Radiation therapy can also be used in combination.

• It can help to relieve signs and symptoms of even advanced cancer.

• Side effects will depend upon the type of drug used in the therapy.

Radiation therapy 

• It uses high-energy beams like X-rays and protons. These kill the cancer cells directly.

• It is also called external beam radiation- a machine is placed outside the body and is directed towards cancer.

• It can also be placed inside the body called brachytherapy. 

• It can be combined with chemo.

• Usually used before surgery.

• It can relieve advanced esophageal cancer symptoms. 

• Side effects include- skin reactions, painful swallowing, which can damage the nearby organs like the lungs and heart. 

Why choose CARE Hospitals?

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, at CARE Hospitals we aim to provide proper treatment against cancers. Esophageal cancer is common and may affect a person unknowingly. With our extensive and comprehensive approach towards human welfare and wellness, we provide proper diagnosis against cancers.