An Overview on Esophageal Cancer, its symptoms and Diagnosis

Esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. This tube is ideally eight inches long in most adults, and is lined by a certain pink moist tissue known as mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the heart and the windpipe, and passes through the diaphragm just before entering the stomach. The prime job of the esophagus is to transfer food from the mouth to the stomach.

What is esophageal cancer?

The cancer of the esophagus generally starts in its inner layer. It can spread throughout the other layers of this tube, as well as to other parts of the body (metastasis) as well. There are two major types of esophageal cancers, namely squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.  A person suffering from one of these severe medical conditions should ideally consult the best Esophagus doctor in Delhi for an effective management plan. Being the national capital, this city houses some of the most prominent and state-of-the-art medical facilities where one can get the best possible treatment for ailments such as these.

Factors that may lead to esophageal cancer

There are some factors that can increase a person's risk of developing esophageal cancer, and they are:

· Smoking or other any other form of tobacco abuse

· Heavy alcohol consumption

· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the stomach acids back flow up into the esophagus

· Barrett's esophagus. It is a medical condition that affects the lower area of the esophagus and can lead to esophageal cancer

In addition to this, men, elderly individuals and obese people may also be at a higher risk for esophageal cancer too.

The symptoms of esophageal cancer

In its early stages there might not be many definitive symptoms of this this medical condition. However as the cancer advances, a number of symptom’s can be seen in a patient. They include:

· Difficulty or pain when swallowing

· Weight loss

· Pain in the chest, behind the breastbone

· Coughing

· Hoarseness

· Indigestion and heartburn

In case you notice these symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, you should immediately consult one of the best esophagus doctors in Delhi to rule out the development of this dreaded disease. Experienced doctors specializing in various endoscopic procedures can diagnose this condition at the very onset and refer patients to cancer specialists who can then start the treatment to contain the disease.

Prime Functions of the Pancreas

The Pancreas is a large flattened gland that is located in the abdomen, just next to the small intestine. It is one of the most crucial components of the digestive system, and plays a prime role in controlling the blood sugar levels in the body. It also assists in converting the consumed food into the essential fuel required by the body cells.

Two of the prime functions of pancreas:

· Exocrine Function: The Pancreas feature exocrine glands that produce enzymes that are crucial in the digestion process. These enzymes contain lipase for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and also chymotrypsin and trypsin for the digestion of proteins. These pancreatic juices are subsequently released into a system of ducts when food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct then joins the common bile duct, forming the ampulla of Vater.  This ampulla is located in the duodenum, and the pancreatic juices released into it help the body to digest fats, carbohydrate and proteins.

· Endocrine Function: The endocrine elements of the pancreas include the islet cells that release crucial hormones like glucagon and insulin directly into the bloodstream. These hormones assist in balancing the blood sugar levels in the body, which is vital in the proper functioning of various organs, including kidneys, liver and brain.  

Being an extremely crucial gland of the body, you should ideally contact the best pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country in case you face any problems relating to it. One of the most common ailments related to this gland is Pancreatitis, in which essentially the pancreas becomes inflamed. This ailment essentially develops when the vital digestive enzymes get activated before being released into the small intestines, and they subsequently start attacking the pancreas.

Pancreatitis can be of two types, namely acute and chronic pancreatitis. Some of their symptoms are:

Acute pancreatitis symptoms:

· High abdominal pain

· Fever

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· tender and swollen abdomen

· Rapid pulse

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms:

· Upper abdominal pain

· Oily and smelly stools

· Severe weight loss

Severe cases of pancreatitis may lead to cyst formation, bleeding into the glad, extensive tissue damage and infection.  Therefore, in case you notice these symptoms in yourself or any of your loved ones, contacting a pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital  and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country like would surely be a good idea.