Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is the most common tumor affecting esophagus

Risk factors

• More common in male
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Obesity

Symptoms

• Dysphagia (higher risk for solid than liquids)
• Weight loss

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis requires confirmation by endoscopy and biopsy.
• Other essential tests include CECT, PET, EUS with or without FNA for determining the staging of esophageal cancer.

Treatment

• The best treatment approach for early esophageal cancer is surgery
• Advanced cancers are treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical intervention.
• For metastatic disease, a stent can be placed in the esophagus for management of dysphagia