What is the oesophagus? Do you know everything related to this health issue

Posted by Refluxmd on June 6th, 2018

The oesophagus or the food pipe is the first element of the gastrointestinal passage. It is a tube-like tract that forms a connection between the buccal cavity and stomach and helps in swallowing the food and liquid. The muscles of the oesophagus help in pushing the food and liquid to the stomach.

What is esophageal cancer?

When cancer develops in the oesophageal tissues of this muscular tube, it is termed as oesophageal cancer. It is the sixth most common cancer affecting people worldwide. It can happen anywhere along the oesophagus.

Types of oesophageal cancer

The type of cells targeted by the malignant growth determines the type of your oesophageal cancer. This helps in zeroing in on your treatment options. There are two main types of oesophageal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer occurs in the cells of oesophagus which secret mucous. You will find this cancer in the lower portion of the oesophagus. This is a very common disease in US and studies have pointed out that white men are more likely to get affected by it.

Squamous cell carcinoma: The surface of oesophagus is dotted with thin, flat cells called as squamous cells. You will find these in the upper and middle portions. The instances of Squamous cell carcinoma have been on a surge throughout the world.

Other rare types: The other types of oesophageal cancer are choriocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, and melanoma. At Refluxmd you can get to know about proper medications and diet for oesophageal cancer.

Following are the Signs of Esophageal Cancer:

• Difficulty or troubled swallowing
• coughing
• hoarseness in voice
• Weight loss
• burning sensation in and around chest
• Chest pain
• grave indigestion or heartburn

There are multiple factors that can cause irritation in the cells of oesophagus which in turn increases your risk of having oesophageal cancer. These factors are:

• Suffering from  gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• having bile reflux
• obesity
• drinking alcohol
• Smoking
• unhealthy diet such as meals lacking vegetables and fruits
• eating fried foods and high-fat foods
• Having trouble in swallowing
• precancerous changes in the cells of the oesophagus

What are the preventive measures?

Abstain from smoking: Consult your doctor about the plan of quitting smoking. Different health and counselling centres are ready to help smokers quit this deadly addiction. Medications are also available that help to quit smoking and tobacco.

Quit drinking: Alcohol can be said as a big stimulant of drawing acid the up the oesophagus. Alcohol relaxes the sphincter muscle which separates the stomach from oesophagus and keeps the tummy tightly closed. The stomach acid leaks and goes up the oesophagus, when the sphincter muscle relaxes.

Eat more fruits and vegetables: Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. You should avoid citrus fruits as well as packaged juices.

Healthy Weight: If you are overweighed, then you are at a higher risk of suffering from digestive diseases. Consult your doctor and prepare a diet chart. Follow this for few months and go about a steady weight loss regime.

If you want to know more about GERD, then Refluxmd is the right place for you. This is a progressive disorder and need proper treatment to get cure from the roots.

Author Bio:

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

Original Source:https://sites.google.com/site/refluxmdguide/what-is-the-oesophagus-do-you-know-everything-related-to-this-health-issue