Cancer of Esophagus, also known as esophageal cancer, is a malignant tumor that originates in the cells lining the esophagus. The esophagus is a long, muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach and is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach during the process of swallowing.
Esophageal cancer typically develops when the cells in the inner lining of the esophagus mutate and multiply uncontrollably. This uncontrolled growth can lead to the formation of a tumor, which can invade nearby tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.
The most common types of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma usually emerges in the lower part of the esophagus, where it forms in the glandular cells that produce mucus. Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, typically arises in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus, originating from the thin, flat cells lining its surface.
Symptoms of cancer of the esophagus include difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, chest pain, heartburn, indigestion, and persistent coughing or hoarseness. However, these symptoms can also be attributed to other conditions, so a proper medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment options for esophageal cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and extent of the disease. Early detection and prompt intervention can significantly improve the prognosis of cancer of the esophagus.
