Food Pipe Cancer: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is Food Pipe Cancer?
• How does Food Pipe Cancer occur?
• Who is prone to Food Pipe Cancer?
• Symptoms of Food Pipe Cancer
• Diagnosis of Food Pipe Cancer
• Complications of a Food Pipe Cancer
• Treatment for Food Pipe Cancer

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What is Food Pipe Cancer? 

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is also known as the gullet. Food pipe cancer is a cancer of oesophagus. It occurs when abnormal cells in the oesophagus grow in an uncontrolled manner. Most cases of food pipe cancer occur in people over the age of 60. The earliest symptom of the disease is a difficulty in swallowing food. Those diagnosed at an early stage have a better chance of getting cured. Treatment can slow down the progression of the disease or ease symptoms.

How does Food Pipe Cancer occur?

The exact cause of food pipe cancer is unknown but there are several factors that can increase your risk. They include the following:

• Drinking A Lot of Alcohol Over Long Periods of Time 
• Persistent Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease 
• Obesity 
• Smoking
• An Unhealthy Diet Devoid of Sufficient Fruits and Vegetables

Who is prone to Food Pipe Cancer?

Lifestyle factors contribute to 9 out of 10 cases of food pipe cancer. They include those

• with a body mass index of 30 or higher 
• who chew tobacco, smoke a pipe or use paan 
• who consume more than 14 units of alcohol a week 
• whose diet is deficient in fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. Not eating enough fresh fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of contracting the disease. 
• Who have crossed the age of 60.

What are the symptoms of Food Pipe Cancer? How is Food Pipe Cancer Diagnosed?

The symptoms of food pipe cancer generally do not appear in the early stages of the disease when the tumour is still small. It is only when the tumor gets bigger do symptoms tend to develop prominently. The symptoms of food pipe cancer can include:

• Pain or Discomfort in Your Chest, Back or Upper Tummy 
• Difficulty in Swallowing 
• Persistent Heartburn or Indigestion 
• Regurgitating Food Soon After Eating 
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you what symptoms you are suffering from. He/she will examine you and feel your abdomen and the lymph nodes in your neck and under your arm. Your doctor will then decide which test is best for you. There are a few tests one can take to get diagnosed of food pipe cancer. They include the following:

• Endoscopy 
• Barium Swallow

What are the complications of a Food Pipe Cancer?

Food pipe cancer can lead to a number of complications. If the warning signs are recognised early, patients can be treated and most of the complications associated with the disease can be managed. Here are the complications associated with food pipe cancer:

• Pneumonia 
• Difficulty in Swallowing 
• Weight Loss 
• Anaemia 
• Metastases 
• Tracheoesophageal Fistulas

If you notice any signs of complications, contact your doctor immediately. There are treatments available to ease some of these complications when detected in early stages.

What is the treatment for Food Pipe Cancer?

If the tumour is detected at an early stage and food pipe cancer is diagnosed, it is possible to cure the disease with:

• Surgery to Remove the Affected Portion of the Oesophagus 
• Chemotherapy Without Radiation 
• Chemotherapy with Radiation

The aim of chemo-radiation is to kill cancerous cells and to shrink the tumor. The earlier the disease is diagnosed the better.