All You Need to Know about Esophagus Cancer

Esophagus can be defined as a distinct muscular tube that connects the throat or the pharynx to the stomach. In majority of adults, this tube is approximately eight inches long and is lined with a pink moist tissue referred to as mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the windpipe and the heart of a person, while passing through the diaphragm just as it enters the stomach. The key task of the esophagus is to ensure that food is transferred from the mouth to the stomach.

Esophagus cancer: An overview

Cancer of the esophagus typically starts in its inner layer, and can even spread to its other layers, as well as other parts of the body (metastasis). There are two prominent types of esophageal cancer known as Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. People suffering from any of these two severe medical conditions should ideally choose to avail treatment from the best Esophagus doctor in Delhi. This city houses a number of renowned hospitals where one can get state-of-the-art treatment for this ailment.

There are a few factors that can augment the chances of developing esophageal cancer in a person. Here are a few of those risk factors:

· Smoking or even any other form of tobacco consumption

· Heavy alcohol consumption

· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which acid and content from the stomach back up into the esophagus

· Barrett's esophagus, which basically is a medical condition affecting the lower part of the esophagus and can lead to esophageal cancer

In addition to the above mentioned factors, generally men, obese individuals and elderly people have a greater risk of suffering from esophageal cancer.

While in its early stages of esophageal cancer, there might not be any definitive symptoms, as the cancer advances more evident signs can be noticed. Some of them are:

· Coughing

· Hoarseness

· Indigestion and heartburn

· Difficulty or pain when swallowing

· Weight loss

· Pain in the chest, behind the breastbone

In case of any indication of this ailment, people should consult one of the best esophagus doctors in Delhi for a proper esophageal cancer diagnosis. Its diagnosis is ideally confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy, subsequent to which the doctors take adequate steps required for its treatment and management, depending on the stage of cancer.