Esophageal cancer, most common in older adults, is a cancer of the esophagus that causes a variety of symptoms. In this video learn about the symptoms and treatments of this cancer.
If smoker, quit
See a doctor
Treat as directed
Justin C. K. Davis, M.D. is one of San Francisco's finest house call specialist physicians, and has been providing house calls and office visits to the Bay Area since 2005. His practice is built upon a philosophy of excellent customer service and excellent patient care.
JUSTIN C.K. DAVIS, M.D.: Hi. My name is Dr. Justin Davis, and today I'd like to discuss with you esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer can occur at any age, children or adults, although it's much more common in older adults. Esophageal cancer describes cancer of the esophagus. What's the esophagus? The esophagus is a hollow tube made out of soft tissue that goes from the back of the throat all the way down to your stomach. It's what food and water goes down when you eat. Esophageal cancer can cause a number of symptoms depending upon how severe the cancer is and where its located. Usually the beginning symptoms may be mild such as pain in the throat, hoarseness, may be coughing or spitting up blood, and as the cancer gets larger and progresses, the symptoms may be more severe, such as difficulty swallowing or not being able to swallow at all. Another condition that's associated with esophageal cancer is called Barrett's esophagus. This is when the esophagus cells begin to change little by little over time and eventually, this may turn into esophageal cancer. Often, this is detected early on because of hoarseness and pain in the throat, and can be diagnosed properly, and steps can be taken to try to prevent cancer. Treatment again depends upon the stage and the location of the esophageal cancer. Treatment will often involve surgery and they also include radiation treatment and chemotherapy to get rid of the cancer cells. How can you prevent esophageal cancer? Well, usually esophageal cancer can is associated with some kind chronic irritation. This may be from smoking, from excessive alcohol intake, or from chronic irritation caused by continuous acid reflex that's not treated or controlled properly. So it's important that if you're a smoker you quit for a number of reasons. If you drink heavily and not in moderation, that also can cause a number of problems and is important to stop, and if you have chronic pain, hoarseness, change of your voice, or you're having reflex symptoms that aren't well controlled, it's important to visit a doctor, have that diagnosed and treated properly.
Member Comments