Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the inner lining of the esophagus. As the tumor grows, the cancer cells spread through the other layers. Sometimes, the cancer spreads to nearby organs as well, such as the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. It progresses through multiple stages as different symptoms appear over time. Here are a few things to know about esophageal cancer signs, treatment, and risk factors to watch out for.

Esophageal cancer signs
In most cases, esophageal cancer is diagnosed only in the advanced stages. This is because the symptoms rarely show up in the initial stages. But, if there is a cancer risk, it is better to take preventive measures and watch out for the following signs.

Chronic cough
This symptom is generally experienced in the advanced stages of esophageal cancer. During this time, the esophagus becomes narrow with the growth of the tumor. This irritates the throat. Most people tend to experience frequent coughing, which can feel like something is stuck in their throat. However, chronic coughing can lead to a hoarse voice over time, which is a significant indicator of esophageal cancer.

Trouble swallowing
The growth of cancer over time also causes issues with swallowing. With the esophagus becoming narrow, food is obstructed to move smoothly through the food pipe. This makes it hard to swallow food comfortably. Over time, as the cancer advances, this symptom aggravates. A person starts to feel like the food they are eating is stuck in the throat. This can also cause choking in some cases.

Pain in the chest
Experiencing chest pain can be a sign of various conditions, ranging from heartburn to potential heart issues. It is rarely considered on its own to diagnose esophageal cancer. Still, it is important to make a note of chest pain if it occurs frequently and along with the other esophageal signs. The pain due to esophagus cancer is generally experienced in the central part of the chest. It is usually experienced as a pressure building inside or a burning sensation. Over time, the pain spreads to nearby areas such as the throat, between the shoulders, and sometimes, behind the breastbone.

Frequent bleeding in the esophagus
With the esophagus becoming narrow, it is possible that the food that moves through has an abrasive effect on the esophageal walls. As a result, there can be bleeding. This symptom becomes evident with the presence of blood in the person’s stool.

Change in eating habits
With esophageal cancer making it harder to swallow foods, there is a gradual change in a person’s eating habits. Since the esophagus starts narrowing through the advanced stages, it becomes difficult to eat solid foods. These have the potential to get stuck easily. Even softer foods, such as bread, are difficult to eat since they can get stuck in the throat, causing discomfort, coughing, or pain. As a result, people often make changes to their meal plans and opt for softer, mashed, pulped, or liquid foods, like soups.

Appetite loss
When there is difficulty swallowing foods and changes in eating habits, it will most likely affect an individual’s appetite. Furthermore, the inability to eat most foods and the switch to liquid foods may lead to some people being unable to eat complete meals. Since liquid foods are mostly bland, a person starts experiencing a loss of appetite.

Risk factors of esophageal cancer
The cause of esophageal cancer is not yet known. However, research is ongoing to understand why mutations occur in the cell DNAs of the esophageal tissues and lead to the development of this cancer. Even though the causes are not known, there are certain risk factors that have been known to increase the susceptibility to esophageal cancer.

Barrett’s esophagus
This condition is caused by acid reflux that has become chronic over time and has not been treated. Due to this, certain changes occur in the cells of the esophagus. When left untreated, it leads to changes in the cells of the lower part of the esophagus. Those with Barrett’s esophagus have a high risk of esophageal cancer.

Family history
The risk of esophageal cancer is often influenced by genes. If an individual has a family history of the disease – including parents, grandparents, or siblings who have had it – their risk of developing it may be higher.

Occupational exposure to certain chemicals
Individuals employed in particular industries face a heightened likelihood of developing esophageal cancer. Those working with chemicals like dry cleaning solvents are especially vulnerable, as they may inhale fumes that can mutate the cells in their esophagus, thereby increasing their risk of developing cancer.

Presence of other types of cancer
In some cases, cancer in other organs can metastasize and spread to the esophagus. This generally happens when a person has cancer in the neck or the head.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a virus that causes tissues in different areas of the body to undergo a lot of changes. These changes can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Other disorders
Different rare and inherited health disorders and conditions, such as achalasia and tylosis, have been linked to the high risk of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer treatments
Surgery
In cases where tumors are small, surgery is performed to remove them along with surrounding tissues to prevent the spread of cancer cells. However, if the cancer is in an advanced stage, surgery may involve removing a portion of the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is an intravenous procedure that kills the cancer cells. This therapy is prescribed before as well as after surgery.

Radiation therapy
High-energy beams such as X-rays or protons target and kill cancer cells. Sometimes, radiation particles are surgically placed within the body close to the cancer cells.