Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This article provides information about oesophageal cancer, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is oesophageal cancer?

Oesophageal cancer starts in the cells of the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a long tube that connects the throat and the stomach. There are different types of cancer that can occur in this area, but the most common ones are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

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What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?

People with oesophageal cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain or discomfort in the throat or chest
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chronic cough
  • Heartburn or indigestion that doesn’t go away
  • Vomiting, especially if there is blood

What causes oesophageal cancer?

The exact cause of oesophageal cancer is not known, but several factors may increase the risk, including:

  • Smoking tobacco
  • Heavy drinking of alcohol
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having a diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • Long-term acid reflux, which can cause damage to the oesophagus
  • Certain medical conditions, such as Barrett’s oesophagus

How common is oesophageal cancer?

Oesophageal cancer is not very common compared to other types of cancer, but it is becoming more frequent in some areas. In the UK, thousands of people are diagnosed with it each year.

Who is more likely to get oesophageal cancer?

Some people have a higher chance of developing oesophageal cancer due to specific risk factors, including:

  • Being over the age of 50
  • Being male, as men are more likely to develop this cancer than women
  • Having a family history of oesophageal cancer
  • Being of African or Asian descent

How can I treat oesophageal cancer?

Treatment for oesophageal cancer depends on how advanced the cancer is and may include:

  • Surgery to remove part or all of the oesophagus
  • Chemotherapy, which uses medicine to kill cancer cells
  • Radiotherapy, where high-energy rays are used to target the cancer
  • Targeted therapy, which focuses on specific aspects of cancer cells

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What’s the outlook for oesophageal cancer?

The outlook for someone with oesophageal cancer can vary depending on several factors, including how early the cancer is detected and treated. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of recovery, while advanced cancer can be more challenging to treat.

Final thoughts

Oesophageal cancer is a serious condition that requires medical attention. If you have any concerns about your health or notice any symptoms, it is important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.

Always consult a medical professional
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medication. If you have concerns about your medication or experience side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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