Esophageal, or esophagus, cancer is a serious form of cancer. Recent improvements in its survival rate has been partly due to Barrett’s esophagus monitoring. This has helped detect cancer of the esophagus earlier.
The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing. Other esophagus cancer symptoms beyond dysphagia might include:
- hiccups
- heartburn
- throat pain
- hoarseness
- regurgitation
- muscle wasting
- swallowing pain
- persistent cough
- vomiting of blood
- coughing up blood
- unintentional weight loss
- burning behind breastbone
- “food getting stuck” sensation
You may find that meat and bread becomes a swallowing impossibility.
The actual cause of esophageal cancer is unknown. Yet, there are several identified risks for this “difficulty swallowing dysphagia” type cancer:
- chronic acid reflux ~ mimics heart attack symptoms
- heavy alcohol consumption~ irritates esophagus lining
- obesity ~ linked to an increased risk of adenocarcinoma
- obesity & high sodium diet ~ increased risk of reflux issues
- tobacco use ~ increases when coupled with excessive use of alcohol
- gastroesophageal reflux ~ causes about one-third of esophageal cancers
- occasional heartburn not serious ~ chronic can lead to Barrett’s esophagus
- diet low in fruits & vegetables ~ especially lacking in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, selenium
Additional factors that may increase your chances of developing dysphagia esophagus cancer include:
- drinking very hot liquids
- sex ~ men far more likely
- race ~ more common in blacks
- age ~ most with this disease are over 55
- previous radiation therapy ~ near esophagus
- exposure ~ dry cleaning solvents, silica dust (sandstone, granite), pressurized spaces
Making healthy diet and lifestyle changes will significantly reduce your esophageal cancer development odds.
