The treatment plan when esophageal cancer symptoms are identified, depends on several factors such as the type and stage of the cancer. Two major types of esophageal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the innermost layer of cells called squamous epithelial cells. These cells are sensitive to the effects of smoking, alcohol and also acid leaking from the stomach, commonly called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Adenocarcinoma, on the other hand, is a cancer of the secretory glands within the submucosal layer. The location of a tumor can occur in any part of the esophageal tube.
In western and more affluent countries, most patients get this form of cancer in the lower part of the esophagus, which is likely due to alcohol abuse and a micronutrient-poor diet. In people who smoke or chew tobacco, the upper part of the esophagus is the primary site for tumors.
Once an esophageal cancer diagnosis has been made, the oncologist seeks further information on the stage of the cancer. The extent of tumor growth and cancer spread is defined by the “Stage” of cancer.
There are four Stages. When a doctor says that the cancer is a Stage I esophageal cancer, the patient has the best chance of complete recovery because the cancer is only in the squamous epithelial lining and is more or less localized to a small place. A Stage II cancer would have tumors migrating beyond the superficial inner layers of the esophagus. A Stage III cancer has often spread into the deeper muscular wall, or it may also have spread to the surrounding organs and tissues, including draining lymphonodes. Finally, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized), it is very difficult to treat and is a Stage IV esophageal cancer.
Surgery is the primary treatment option for esophageal cancer. If the tumor is small and has not spread beyond a certain area (Stage I or Stage II cancer), endoscopic surgery may be able to remove most of the tumor. If the tumor has gone through the muscular walls, an esophagectomy may be needed, to cut away the effected part of the esophagus. After an esophagectomy, the gap is closed by either pulling up the stomach and sewing the two ends of the esophagus or by using a piece of the colon tube. Surgery is often followed up with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Several chemotherapeutic drugs have been found to be effective for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer symptoms are difficult to diagnose and it is a difficult cancer to treat, however advances in surgery and chemotherapy have recently allowed for better chances of survival.
By: Betty Dawson
About the Author
Betty is a medical student who is studying a whole range of medical issues. In addition to studying about sinus cancer treatments, she is also studying the prevention and treatment of liver sclerosis
