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Esophageal Cancer Injury

In the long run, stomach acid reflux can cause damage to the inner lining of the esophagus. This can result in cancer, referred to as squamous cells carcinoma (SCC).

Smoking and excessive drinking increase the risk of developing esophageal carcinoma. So does being overweight.

The higher iron content and cooking methods of red meat may increase the risk of developing esophageal carcinoma.

Symptoms

People who inhale or ingest caustic chemicals could develop severe chemical burns (known as squamous-cell cancer) in the part of their esophagus's lining. Ingestion of lye, the most common cause of squamous cell cancer of the esophagus however, other caustic substances like drain and oven cleaners as well as swimming pool products, laundry detergents, hair relaxers disk batteries, and battery acid can damage the lining of the esophagus. These chemicals may cause scar tissue to form in the region of the injury, which causes an esophagus that narrows known as a stricture. Around half of patients with a stricture develop squamous cell cancer in the area over the course of many years, even decades later.

The esophagus (a long tube-like structure, extends from the throat all the way to the stomach. It is used to transport liquids and food from the mouth to stomach. The esophagus is lined with cells that secrete mucus, which helps protect the lining of the esophagus. The cancer that develops within these cells could spread to other tissues or parts of the human body.

Most esophageal cancers do not manifest symptoms until they have advanced. Dysphagia is the most common symptom as the tumor grows and blocks the passage of food. If you are experiencing these symptoms It is vital to talk to your doctor. However they could also be the result of other health issues.

Diagnosis

The esophagus is a lengthy tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Its lining produces mucus that assists in lubricating it and protects it. Esophagus cancer is diagnosed when abnormal cells grow out of control, and then destroy the surrounding tissue or spreads to other organs of the body.

Esophageal cancer is most commonly found in the lining of the esophagus, but it can also manifest in the muscle layer or in the outside wall of the esophagus. Squamous cell cancer is the most prevalent type of esophageal carcinoma. It is formed from thin, flat cells that line various organs, including the esophagus. It can also be caused by other types of cancers of the esophageal region, such as lymphoma and adenocarcinoma.

Chronic heartburn is one of the most prevalent risk factors for cancer of the esophagus. Acid in the stomach can cause GERD (gastroesophageal re-flux disease) which can cause damage to the lining and lead to cancerous gland cells.

A doctor can diagnose cancer of the esophagus by looking at the throat and esophagus, in addition to conducting other tests. These include an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) -- during this test, a doctor inserts a flexible tube down your throat into the esophagus and stomach to check the tissue for abnormal cells. The doctor may also collect samples of your tissue for analysis (biopsy).

Treatment

Cancers begin in the cells that line the esophagus. Squamous cell cancer is the most common kind of esophageal cancer. It can develop in the mucosa layer, the thin muscle layer, or the thicker layer of the esophagus wall. Another type of esophageal cancer known as an Adenocarcinoma. It is a cancer that originates from glandular cells and usually occurs in the lower esophagus close to the stomach. These cancers can spread, or Esophageal Cancer Injury metastasize to other parts of the body including the lungs as well as the liver.

To determine the treatment you will receive first, you have to determine how far the cancer has spread. Your doctor might use an imaging test to determine the extent of the cancer. The esophagus will be X-rayed after the harmless liquid barium was swallowed. This permits your doctor to examine the stomach's lining. Additional tests, such as a computed-tomography scan (CT) with contrast, positron-emission scan (PET) and thoracoscopy, can help determine if cancer has developed.

Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, Esophageal Cancer Injury and surgery are the most effective treatments for esophageal carcinoma. In addition some patients are benefited by medical procedures, such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or cryotherapy. Esophageal cancer treatment requires a team approach. Our specialists in gastroenterology, medical and radiation oncology at UVA collaborate to provide the best care for your specific condition.

Prevention

Ingestion of ingestible substances, including lye, can increase the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus by altering or damaging the cells that line the esophagus. Generally the changes that occur are more likely to cause Squamous cell carcinoma rather than adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancers are more prevalent in males and older adults. Tobacco and alcohol use are risk factors that can be controlled for the esophageal cancer.

Smoking cigarettes increases your chance of developing squamous cell cancer in the esophagus many times over. Additionally, heavy drinking is also linked to this type of cancer. You can reduce your risk of developing esophageal carcinoma by not smoking or drinking alcohol.

Barrett's esophagus is another factor that can increase your chances of developing cancer of the esophagus. This condition occurs when the lining of the esophagus is replaced by tissue that looks more like the lining of the stomach. This condition can require that patients suffering from this condition are regularly monitored for precancerous cell by undergoing regular endoscopies.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently reclassified the carcinogen acetaldehyde found in alcohol as part of group 1 (probably carcinogenic to humans). The reason for this change is an alteration in the ALDH2 enzyme, which increases blood breath, salivary, and levels of acetaldehyde after drinking. The study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention discovered that this variant is associated with a higher chance of developing esophageal Squamous Cell cancer.