Precautions reduce the risk of esophageal cancer
Published 3:50 pm, Monday, February 14, 2011
The esophagus is the tube that transports food from your throat to your stomach. It is subjected
Precautions reduce the risk of esophageal cancer
Published 3:50 pm, Monday, February 14, 2011
The esophagus is the tube that transports food from your throat to your stomach. It is subjected to all sorts of abuse, including alcohol, spicy foods, hot liquids and tobacco products. Although the exact mechanism is not known, those habits are highly associated with tissue damage that leads to cancer in the esophagus. Acid reflux and smoking also increase risk.
Signs and Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing is due the obstruction by the growing tumor. Severe reflux and coughing occur if the cancer erodes into the chest or stomach.
What to do: Get to your doctor. A specialized x-ray may reveal the problem. The definitive test, however, is a scope passed into the esophagus, where the problem can be visualized and biopsies taken. Treatment involves chemotherapy, perhaps radiation, and possibly surgical removal of the mass or the entire esophagus. The treatment is tough and the prognosis is depressing, so reduce your risk. Avoiding smoking, excessive hot liquids, and alcohol is a real good idea.
Thought for the Day: It’s not the time to mess around if you’re having trouble getting food down.
“What’s Going Around” is contributed by family practitioner Kyle Scarborough, M.D., with the Sadler Clinic.