Esophageal cancer, known as esophageal cancer, poses a great risk for patients. Dr. Deborah Lee warns that difficulty swallowing is often the first sign of esophageal cancer that begins in the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Swallowing problems often occur when people eat and drink too quickly or do not chew their food properly. However, Dr. According to Deborah Lee, dysphagia is the earliest warning sign that you have a tumor in your esophagus.
CANCER STARTS AT THE LOWER END OF THE EATING PIPE
The location of the esophageal tumor that begins in the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach means that symptoms often occur when you eat. Early detection can improve survival rates, but the signs of the disease are “difficult to detect”, which brings symptom awareness to the fore. Dr Lee told Express: “Esophageal cancer usually starts at the lower end of the esophagus.” Probably because it’s the area of acid reflux, the cancer grows there and grows slowly in this very acidic environment.
VARIOUS SYMPTOMS OCCUR
As it grows, it clogs the lower part of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Food sometimes gets stuck in the throat, causing discomfort… and causing coughing, nausea, vomiting, and drooling.” Moreover, other food-related symptoms may begin to appear, including nausea and indigestion.
Your appetite may also take a hit and you may start to lose weight as a result.
Apart from these symptoms, other tell-tale signs of esophageal cancer include:
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Symptoms of indigestion (such as passing a lot of gas)
- cough that doesn’t get better
- muffled voice
- feeling tired or having no energy
- Pain in your throat or in the middle of your chest (especially when swallowing).
DIFFERENT TESTS ARE DONE FOR DIAGNOSIS
Dr Lee added: “If your doctor is concerned, they will refer you to the hospital for an endoscopy – a telescope in a thin tube that goes through your mouth and esophagus to get a closer look. A biopsy – a small tissue sample – can be taken from any abnormal area and It may be sent to the lab for close examination. Further testing such as a CT scan or endoscopic ultrasound scan may be required.”
CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY MAY BE REQUIRED
The doctor explained that esophageal cancer is treated by surgically removing the tumor and sometimes placing a stent to keep the esophagus open and allow food and fluids to pass. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be needed,” he said.