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Esophageal cancer occurs when normal cells in the esophagus
turn into abnormal cells and multiply uncontrollably.
This disease is more common after the age of 60 and in men.
Difficulty swallowing
Weight loss
Chest pain
Weakness
Black stools
Hoarseness
All these symptoms can be seen in diseases other than esophageal cancer. However, if you have these symptoms, you should definitely consult a health care provider.
Endoscopy (upper gastrointestinal tract): The most common test for esophageal cancer. During this test, a thin tube with a camera is advanced from the mouth to the duodenum. It is possible to view the esophagus, stomach and small intestine from the inside.
Computed tomography (CT): The presence and spread of the tumor can be examined by taking images as cross-sections from the chest and abdomen.
Biopsy: During endoscopy, tissue samples are taken from abnormal-looking areas in the esophagus and examined under a microscope.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS): By means of a probe connected to the endoscopic device, the extent of spread of the tumor and surrounding tissues is examined using sound waves.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET): It is used to detect spreads (metastases) that can be seen in distant organs, bones and lymph nodes.
Factors such as genetic predisposition, smoking and alcohol use, eating habits (consuming extremely hot liquids, etc.), chronic reflux disease, obesity, and drinking caustic substances increase the susceptibility to cancer.
The most important factors determining the treatment are the type of cancer (adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancer) and the extent of its spread. Esophageal cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, lung, liver, and bone.
Surgery: It is the most commonly used treatment method, and with this method, part or all of the esophagus is removed by open or closed surgery, depending on the location of the cancer. Then, the continuity of the digestive system is ensured by pulling the stomach or small intestine up from the chest cavity and connecting it with the remaining esophagus.
Endoscopy: Small tumors in the early stage can be removed by endoscopy.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs that kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Depending on the stage of the disease, chemotherapy can be applied before or after surgery.
Radiotherapy: It is the process of preventing the proliferation of cancer cells in a certain area with high-energy rays. Depending on the type and spread of the cancer, radiotherapy can be applied together with chemotherapy, before or after surgery.
Immunotherapy: It is the use of drugs that work with the body’s immune system to stop the development of cancer.