Question 1

how is esophageal cancer diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopy and biopsy: Currently, an endoscopy (looking down your esophagus with a scope) and then a biopsy are typically used to diagnose esophageal cacner.

Question 2

what are symptoms esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Dysphagia.: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing is the major symptom of esophageal cancer.  At the time of this symptom, patients may have weight loss, chest pain, pulmonary aspiration, hoarseness, and odynophagia or painful swallowing.

Question 3

what are the stages of esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

IV: There are 4 stages for esophageal cancer, with a and b substages.  We use roman numerals.  For stages i - iia, the treatment is the physically fit patient is surgery or esophagectomy.  For stages iib and III the treatment is chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by surgery, or in patients who do not want surgery, chemoradiotherapy alone.  For stage IV treatment is chemotherapy +/- radiation.

Question 4

what are the tests for esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Many: Esophagram is usually involved in the initial  diagnosis.Endoscopy is also common in the initial workup of symptoms and also has the advantage being able to get biopsy material at the same time. Ct can evaluate the extent. Pet scan can evaluate for extent and metastasis.

Question 5

what sort of disorder is esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive: Esophageal cancer is usually aggressive type of cancer.

Question 6

what causes esophageal cancer? who gets it?

Accepted Answer

Many factors: Factors predisposing to esophageal cancer are realated to age and sex  with men over 65 at highest risk.  This is followed by smokers, heavy drinking, obesity and acid reflux. At the cardioesophageal junction h.pylori plays an important role as does Baretts esophagus.

Question 7

what is the prognosis for esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Relatively poor: Although prognosis depends on certain factors, including the stage of the cancer, the overall 5-year survival rate for esophageal cancer is about 15%.

Question 8

is it possible that i have esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have symptoms of chest discomfort or difficulty with food sticking after you swallow, a physician's office visit is in order. You are in your 30's and common cancer of the esophagus is uncommon but not unknown at this age.

Question 9

what are the different types of esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Two main types: The two main types are adenocarcinoma (the most common, derived from barrett's metaplasia) and squamous cell carcinoma.  Adenocarcinoma is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd), and squamous cell carcinoma is generally caused by smoking and alcohol.

Question 10

what is the rate of survival for esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Depends on stage : Median survival 9-10 months. 3 year survival about 25%.

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What causes esophageal cancer? who gets it?

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Is it possible that i have esophageal cancer?

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What is the rate of survival for esophageal cancer?

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