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What is cancer of the esophagus?Cancer of the esophagus, also called esophageal cancer, is an uncommon cancer in the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. This tube is called the esophagus. Cancer of the esophagus occurs most frequently in men over age 60. How does it occur?The exact cause of esophageal cancer is not known. Alcohol abuse and smoking appear to increase the risk for this disease. What are the symptoms?Often the first symptom is increased difficulty swallowing. You may feel like food is stuck in your throat. First, you may have trouble swallowing solid foods. Later, soft foods may also give you difficulty. Eventually, even liquids may be hard to swallow. As the tumor grows, your esophagus gets narrower. One of the early symptoms is chest pain. You may have heartburn when you drink hot liquids. Late symptoms may include drooling, spitting up pieces of undigested food, and weight loss. Respiratory infections are common. Hoarseness and coughing may also occur if other tissues near the esophagus are affected by the cancer. How is it diagnosed?Your doctor may use the following tests:
How is it treated?The treatment often involves a combination of surgery and radiation. Sometimes chemotherapy is also a part of the treatment. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the cancer within the esophagus and the degree of spread to surrounding tissues. Sometimes nonsurgical treatments can be used, such as dilating or widening the opening of the esophagus to allow more comfortable swallowing. Radiation therapy may be done to try to make the tumor smaller. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) can be placed across the tumour for luminisation.If stent placement is not possible luminisation can be achieved by absolute alcohol injection into the tumour or by applying LASER How long will the effects last?In most cases cure isn't possible. Cancer of the esophagus spreads rapidly and is often diagnosed in its later stages. However, improved surgery, radiation techniques, and chemotherapy have increased life expectancy and comfort for people with this disease. How can I take care of myself?Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the course of your illness and treatments. Ask about side effects you may have from radiation, chemotherapy, or prescription medicine. You may want to make a list of questions at home and take it with you when you visit your doctor. Ask a friend to go with you who can listen, too. If you don't understand a word or concept, ask your doctor to explain it. Take notes if you need to. The following guidelines may help control your symptoms:
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