Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Posted by Refluxmd on February 21st, 2018

The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. It is responsible for the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach. Chiefly, esophageal cancer occurs due to the formation of tumor in the lining of the esophagus. The growth of the tumor eventually affects the tissues and muscles of the esophagus. Commonly, two types of esophageal cancer are identified: Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma. Usually, esophageal cancer symptoms are not identified until cancer has reached the advanced stage which makes this disease even more fatal and life-threatening. So whenever you encounter the following symptoms, get cautious, you might have esophageal cancer:

1.     Unintentional weight loss
2.     Indigestion
3.     Heartburn
4.     Painful swallowing of food
5.     Choking on food while eating
6.     Vomiting
7.     Food coming back up the esophagus
8.     Chest pain, pressure or burning
9.     Fatigue
10.     Nausea
11.     Coughing and hoarseness
12.     Chronic hiccups
13.     Abdominal pain

Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer

It is assumed that chronic irritation of esophagus is a major contributing factor for esophagus cancer. And the various factors that irritate the cells of the esophagus are listed below:

1.     Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
2.     Smoking
3.     Barrett’s esophagus
4.     Obesity
5.     Consumption of alcohol
6.     Having Bile Reflux
7.     Difficulty in swallowing
8.     Steady habit of drinking hot liquids
9.     Eating fewer fruits and vegetables
10.     Undergoing radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen

GERD is the most critical risk factor associated with esophageal cancer. Studies have found that people with GERD have a higher risk of esophageal cancer. Also, GERD victims are vulnerable to Barrett’s esophagus, which is a pre-condition for cancer. Thus, it becomes necessary to identify GERD symptoms to protect oneself from chronic esophageal cancer.

GERD Symptoms

The primary symptom of GERD is heartburn. In this, discomfort and burning sensation are felt behind the breastbone. Other symptoms of this disease are as follows:

1.     Nausea and vomiting
2.     Bad breathe
3.     Respiratory problems
4.     Difficulty swallowing
5.     Tooth decay
6.     Regurgitation
7.     Laryngitis or hoarseness
8.     A chronic sore throat
9.     Sudden excess of saliva
10.   Inflammation of the gums

These GERD Symptoms must be timely identified and cured to avert esophageal cancer.

 Prevention of Esophageal Cancer

It is always said that prevention is better than cure. So, one must take the below-mentioned measures to prevent the threat of esophageal cancer.

1.     Avoid tobacco and alcohol
2.     Take nutritional and balanced diet
3.     Control obesity
4.     Get treatment for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus
5.     Quit smoking
6.     Consume more fruits and vegetables
7.     Never lie down immediately after eating

Esophageal cancer is caused due to the abnormal growth of esophagus cells which eventually turns into the tumor and triggers cancer. It is difficult to identify this tumor at an early stage as esophageal cancer symptoms are not traceable. However, when a person has GERD symptoms, he/she should get cautious and get a thorough checkup as GERD is the pre-condition for esophageal cancer. Overall, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and acid reflux all are interrelated medical conditions. Therefore, people must take appropriate measure to secure themselves from these fatal illness.

Author Bio:

RefluxMD provides an overview of all reflux treatment. If you are looking for Esophageal Cancer Symptoms get in touch with us so that we can guide you based on the Gerd Symptoms.

Original source:https://sites.google.com/site/refluxmdguide/symptoms-of-esophageal-cancer