Risk Factors For Esophageal Cancer!
Esophagus (the food pipe), is a tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach through your chest. In esophageal cancer, a malignant tumour forms in the inner lining of the esophagus and then it advances and spreads.
Risk factors for esophageal cancer
1. Smoking
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
3. Obesity
4. Alcohol intake
5. Drinking very hot liquids
6. Old age
Symptoms of esophageal cancer
1. Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
2. Unintentional weight loss
3. Chest pain
4. Worsening indigestion or heartburn
Diagnosis of esophageal cancer is established by doing an endoscopy. Endoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible thin tube with camera is passed and esophagus is seen from inside.
If detected on time, it can be cured by a surgery called esophagectomy. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy is also given prior to surgery to further improve survival.