Esophageal cancerorcancerof the food pipe is an aggressivecancer. In most cases,esophageal cancer是一种可以治愈的疾病,虽然治愈率瞧吗w. According to the NationalCancerInstitute, the five-year survival rate in patients with proper definitive treatment ranges from 5 to 30 percent. However, it depends on several factors, such as the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis and the overall health of the patient. Patients with v very early stage disease have a better chance of survival. For those who undergo curative treatment, 40 percent will survive one year or more, 15 percent will survive up to five years and 10 percent will survive 10 years or more. It depends on the stage of cancer and how quickly it was detected. Prognosis based on the stage of the cancer is
- Stage I:Five-year survival is 55 percent
- Stage II:Five-year survival is 30 percent
- Stage III:Five-year survival is 15 percent
- Stage IV:Sadly, many people don't live beyond a few months to maybe a year
When the cancer has not spread outside theesophagus, surgery may improve the chances of survival. When the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, a cure is generally not possible. Overall, esophageal cancer is considered an extremely aggressive cancer that has a poor prognosis compared to othermalignantulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. The common treatment options for esophageal cancer are
- When the cancer is only in the esophagus and has not spread, surgery may be the best option. The cancer and a part or all the esophagus are removed. The surgery may be done using
- Open surgery, during which one or two larger incisions are made.
- Minimally-invasive surgery, during which two to four small incisions are made in the abdomen. A laparoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) is inserted into the abdomen through one of the incisions.
- Radiation therapymay also be used instead of surgery in some cases when the cancer has not spread outside the esophagus.
- Either chemotherapy,radiationor both may be used to shrink the tumor and make surgery easier to perform.
- If the person is too ill to have major surgery or the cancer has spread to other organs, chemotherapy or radiation may be used to help reduce symptoms. This is called palliative therapy. In such cases, the disease is usually not curable. Besides, a change indietand other treatments that may be used to help the patient swallow include
- 扩张食道usi(扩大)ng an endoscope. Sometimes, astentis placed to keep the esophagus open.
- Inserting a feeding tube into the stomach.
- Photodynamic therapy, which uses a special drug that is injected into the tumor and is then exposed to light. The light activates the medication that attacks the tumor.
What is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is acancer of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The exact developmental processes of esophageal cancer are still the subject of current research. However, it is assumed that the disease develops over a long time. The damage accumulates in the cell over time and affects normal cells until cancer results. The risk factors that may trigger cancer cells may include
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) andBarrett esophagus:A ring or valve of muscle called the upper esophageal sphincter is present at the upper end of the esophagus. It relaxes to let food or liquid go through it into the esophagus. The lower part of the esophagus is connected to the stomach. Another sphincter called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is located at this connection that opens to allow the food to enter the stomach. This muscle also works to keep food and stomach contents from coming back up into the esophagus. When the stomach contents go back up into the esophagus (refluxes) repeatedly, it may causeGERD,导致heartburn. Long-term reflux can change the cells in the lower end of the esophagus. This condition is known as Barrett esophagus. If these cells are not treated, they are at a much higher risk of developing into cancer cells. Havingdifficulty swallowingbecause an esophageal sphincter won’t relax can lead to severe irritation of the esophagus, leading to GERD.
- Tobacco use
- Heavyalcoholuse
- Older age
The warning signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer may include
- Difficulty swallowing(also calleddysphagia), which is the most common symptom
- Food coming back up after being swallowed
- Unexplainedweight loss
- Chest pain, which may be in the center of the chest or less often, in the shoulder or back
- Indigestionor heartburn that doesn’t go away
- A hoarse voice or acoughthat won’t go away
- Painful swallowing (also called odynophagia)
- Feeling like something is stuck in the chest
Having one or more risk factors does not mean one will get esophageal cancer. However, a risk factor affects the chance of getting a disease. As with allcancers, chances of successful treatment are better when the cancer is caught in its early stages. Therefore, it is especially important to see a doctor as soon as possible if a person suspects esophageal cancer.
Health SolutionsFrom Our Sponsors
Top How Curable Is Cancer of the Esophagus Related Articles
Cancer 101 Slideshow
Learn the basics about cancer including types, causes, how it spreads, symptoms and signs, stages and treatment options. Read about the common type of cancers.
Cancer: Does This Cause Cancer?
Everything gives you cancer, right? Not really. WebMD's slide show tells you about the research into cancer and cell phones, X-rays, plastic bottles, coffee, and more.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the esophagus. Risk factors of cancer of the esophagus include smoking, heavy alcohol use, Barrett's esophagus, being male and being over age 60. Severe weight loss, vomiting, hoarseness, coughing up blood, painful swallowing, and pain in the throat or back are symptoms. Treatment depends upon the size, location and staging of the cancer and the health of the patient.
How Can We Prevent Cancer?
Cancer is a medical condition in which cells grow out of control and crowd out the normal cells. This makes it difficult for the body to work the way it should. Cancer can start at any place in the body. There are many types of cancer. It’s not just one disease. Cancer can start in the lungs, breast, colon, or blood.
Who Is Most at Risk for Esophageal Cancer?
When cancer starts from the food pipe (esophagus), it is called esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer can affect anyone. But certain factors can increase one’s risk of getting it. These are known as risk factors.