Esophageal cancer is a condition in which the cells in the esophagus begin to grow rapidly. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of esophageal cancer include trouble swallowing, chest pain, fatigue and weight loss. Treatment for esophageal cancer involves surgery to remove the tumor, part of the esophagus or the stomach. Left untreated, esophageal cancer complications result.
Weight Loss
Esophageal cancer can lead to weight loss. The cancer cells actually thrive upon the nutrients and deprive the body of calories, leading to weight loss. It is important to note that weight loss is unintentional. People with esophageal cancer lose 20 to 40 pounds rapidly within one to three months. This weight loss is not the result of diet and exercise.
Cancer Pain
Esophageal cancer can lead to cancer pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, one out of three people receiving cancer treatment experiences cancer pain. It states that the pain can be sharp, dull, severe or mild. The pain results from the cancer cells destroying surrounding tissue. Sometimes, the tumor, itself, can secrete chemicals that lead to cancer pain. Also, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can lead to cancer pain. The pain can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, weak opioids such as codeine, and analgesics such as aspirin.
Cough
Esophageal cancer can also lead to coughing. MedlinePlus says that coughing is a means for the body to rid itself of mucus or any other irritants. Treatment for coughing involves using a vaporizer or taking a steam shower. Other treatment methods involve taking such medications as guaifenesin and decongestants.
Bleeding Esophageal Varices
Bleeding varices are another esophageal cancer complication. MedlinePlus says that bleeding varices are veins in the upper portion of the stomach and lower portion of the intestine that become dilated. Symptoms of bleeding esophageal varices include vomiting blood, decreased urine output, lightheadedness, paleness, bloody stools and black stools. Esophageal varices result from increased pressure on the portal vein (vessel in the liver). Treatment for esophageal varices includes stopping the bleeding with medications such as propanolol, nadolol, octreotide and vasopressin. Sometimes, emergency surgery may be necessary, or a liver transplant may be necessary.
Esophageal Obstruction
Another complication is esophageal obstruction. Esophageal obstruction refers to a condition in which the cancer actually prevents an individual from swallowing certain foods or liquid. Sometimes, certain tools, such as a metal tube, can be used to keep the esophagus open. Radiation, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy and surgery are ways to treat an esophageal obstruction.
