Esophageal Cancer
What is it?
The esophagus is a long tube that food and drink travel down from the throat into the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in this tube.
Unfortunately because the cancer usually shows no symptoms, it is commonly diagnosed at a more advanced stage making it the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
Are there different types?
There are two main types of esophageal cancer
- adenocarcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
Other rare forms include small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma and choriocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma
Esophageal adenocarcinoma occurs in the lower part of the esophagus, closer to the stomach. White males are much more prone to developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, and heartburn (GERD) is a large risk factor in being diagnosed with the cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma can occur anywhere in the esophagus, however it usually affects the upper to middle part.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the esophagus globally.
Who's more at risk?
The main risk factors of esophageal cancer are
- heartburn
- smoking and drinking alcohol
- males over the age of 55
- people who have been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus
What can I do to prevent it?
There are many treatments for esophageal cancer, and there is even preventative treatment for people with Barrett's esophagus.
Preventative treatment can be done by either using
- heat to get rid of precancerous tissue (radiofrequency ablation)
- freezing to kill off precancerous tissue (cryotherapy)
I have it. Now what?
For early stages of esophagel cancer, the doctor can perform an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), also called an endocopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
For larger tumors that haven't spread (advanced but only in the esophagus) and advanced cancers, treatment might include
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- immunotherapy
- targeted therapies
- esophageal stents
Because there are many treatment options for esophageal cancer, it is important to speak with your doctor and decide what is best for your type of cancer, the size of the cancer and the extent that it has spread (if it has).
What is it?
The esophagus is a long tube that food and drink travel down from the throat into the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in this tube.
Unfortunately because the cancer usually shows no symptoms, it is commonly diagnosed at a more advanced stage making it the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
Are there different types?
There are two main types of esophageal cancer
- adenocarcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
Other rare forms include small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma and choriocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma
Esophageal adenocarcinoma occurs in the lower part of the esophagus, closer to the stomach. White males are much more prone to developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, and heartburn (GERD) is a large risk factor in being diagnosed with the cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma can occur anywhere in the esophagus, however it usually affects the upper to middle part.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the esophagus globally.
Who's more at risk?
The main risk factors of esophageal cancer are
- heartburn
- smoking and drinking alcohol
- males over the age of 55
- people who have been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus
What can I do to prevent it?
There are many treatments for esophageal cancer, and there is even preventative treatment for people with Barrett's esophagus.
Preventative treatment can be done by either using
- heat to get rid of precancerous tissue (radiofrequency ablation)
- freezing to kill off precancerous tissue (cryotherapy)
I have it. Now what?
For early stages of esophagel cancer, the doctor can perform an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), also called an endocopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
For larger tumors that haven't spread (advanced but only in the esophagus) and advanced cancers, treatment might include
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- immunotherapy
- targeted therapies
- esophageal stents
Because there are many treatment options for esophageal cancer, it is important to speak with your doctor and decide what is best for your type of cancer, the size of the cancer and the extent that it has spread (if it has).
Symptom list:
Esophageal Cancer
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
