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Squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus, associated with smoking and drinking, is now largely in decline. That mainly, (but not always!), affects older men of relatively deprived backgrounds, and the tumour is situated in the upper third of the oesophagus.
However, lately this profile seems to be changing and younger professional people are being diagnosed, mainly with adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the type of cancer usually associated with tumours in the lower third of the oesophagus. ( Irish Journal of Medicine, November 1997 Volume 90 Number 7)
The reason for this seems to be that the muscular valve system at the bottom of the oesophagus has been failing. This failure allows acid to seep upwards from the stomach. (BMJ 2000,321:463-464)
The stomach is designed to deal with acid but the oesophagus is not. Therefore irritation and soreness sets up in the oesophagus. This leads to Barrett's Oesophagus, which can in turn lead to cancer. (BMJ )Also click here.
For more information on causes see the
Cancer Research UK website.
Symptoms we have experienced as cancer patients:
Difficulty in eating/swallowing, food being thrown back (unchanged) within a minute or two of swallowing, very severe chest pain shortly after eating (rare), copious white frothy mucous being vomited. Obviously these symptoms can soon lead to weight loss, which could be considered as another symptom.
As stated above, people who experience severe or persistent acid reflux, or heartburn may be at risk.
It is vital to have this cancer diagnosed as early as possible.
Unfortunately oesophageal cancer can be symptomless until an advanced stage is reached.
For a more complete explanation of oesophageal cancer see the
Cancer Research UK website
For further information see our Medical Info page which gives references and/or links to all the abstracts and articles shown, plus links to other related information.
Site updated 15 June, 2008
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