Cancer of the tube that connects the mouth and stomach (oesophagus). Oesophageal cancer is caused by smoking and acid reflux that is not well controlled. Trouble swallowing, accidental weight loss, chest pain, increasing indigestion or heartburn, coughing, and hoarseness are all symptoms.

Types

There are two forms of esophageal cancer: Barrett’s oesophagus and Barrett’s oesophagus.

Squamous cell carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that begins in the flat, thin cells that line the oesophagus. The top or centre of the oesophagus is the most common location for this type, but it can arise elsewhere.

Adenocarcinoma: It is a type of cancer that begins in the glandular cells of the oesophagus, which are responsible for producing fluids like mucus. The lower section of the oesophagus is where adenocarcinomas are most common.

Although the specific cause of esophageal cancer is unknown, there are various risk factors. The following are some of the risk factors for esophageal cancer:

• Age: Esophageal cancer is more common in adults over the age of 60 than in people under the age of 60.
• Male gender: Men are three times as likely as women to develop the condition.
• Ethnic groups: African Americans and Asians are more likely to get squamous cell esophageal cancer. White people are more likely to get adenocarcinoma.
• Use of Tobacco: It involves both smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Use of Alcohol: Chronic and/or heavy alcohol consumption raises the risk of esophageal cancer.
• Barrett’s oesophagus and chronic acid reflux: Barrett’s oesophagus is a change in the cells of the lower oesophagus caused by untreated persistent acid reflux. People with long-term heartburn have an increased risk of esophageal cancer even if they don’t have Barrett’s oesophagus.
• Other diseases: Esophageal cancer has been connected to a variety of other illnesses. Achalasia, a rare genetic disorder in which excess skin grows on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and tylosis, a rare inherited disorder in which excess skin grows on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, are two examples.
• Occupational exposure to particular chemicals: People who work with dry cleaning solvents for a long time are more likely to develop esophageal cancer.
• Other cancer: People who have had cancer of the neck or head are more likely to develop esophageal cancer.
• HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases the chance of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in areas of the world with a high incidence of esophageal cancer (such as Asia and South Africa). The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause tissue changes in the vocal cords and mouth, as well as in the hands, feet, and sex organs.