Esophageal cancer as name suggests is malignancy of the
esophagus. There are various subtypes, primarily squamous cell cancer
and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line
the upper part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular
cells that are present at the junction of the esophagus and stomach.
Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia i.e. difficulty in
swallowing, pain and other symptoms, and are diagnosed with biopsy.
Small and localized tumors are treated surgically with curative intent.
Larger tumors tend not to be operable and hence are treated with
palliative care; their growth can still be delayed with chemotherapy,
radiotherapy or a combination of the two. In some cases chemo- and
radiotherapy can render these larger tumors operable. Prognosis depends
on the extent of the disease and other medical problems, but is
generally fairly poor.
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