Esophageal cancer is a rare but aggressive cancer that often remains unnoticed until advanced stages, making early diagnosis vital for effective treatment.
The esophagus is a long hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach and helps swallow food from the throat to reach the stomach for digestion.
Treatments include Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiotherapy, or their combination. Under some conditions, Immunotherapy can also be used to reduce its impact, which helps improve the survival chances of the patients Symptoms of Esophageal
Symptoms of esophageal cancer often appear in advanced stages. Common signs to watch for include
Note- Always seek a doctor if you have
Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells lining the esophagus develop genetic mutations, causing uncontrolled growth that may form tumors and eventually spread to other organs. When the tumor cells grow, they may spread to other body parts; such spread of cancerous cells leads to malignancy, and the cancer is called metastatic cancer.
Depending upon the type of cell, Esophageal cancer can be divided into
The following things can increase your risk of getting esophageal cancer; these include:
Acid Reflux/GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)—When stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, it causes irritation and inflammation. This long-term reflux can lead to a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus, which is a precancerous stage.
Barrett’s Esophagus—A condition where the normal cells of the esophagus are replaced with abnormal ones (similar to the stomach lining). This increases the risk of a type of esophageal cancer called adenocarcinoma.
Obesity: Being overweight increases the chances of acid reflux and hormonal changes in the body. Obesity is especially linked to esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Poor Diet and Nutrition—A diet low in fruits and vegetables or consuming very hot beverages (like boiling tea or soups) may increase the risk. Repeated exposure to hot temperatures can burn the esophageal lining and lead to mutations.
Age and Gender—Most cases occur in people over the age of 50. Men are about 3 to 4 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than women
Family History or prior Radiation- A family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer can increase your risk. Certain conditions, like achalasia (a swallowing disorder) or past radiation therapy to the chest, are also risk factors.
Esophageal Cancer diagnosis starts through initial assessment; your healthcare provider checks for your medical history and conditions, and also if you have early symptoms, and further tests may be needed.
If your doctor suspects esophageal cancer, the following diagnostic tools may be used to confirm the condition and assess the spread. Tests include:
Endoscopy
Biopsy
Barium Swallow or Barium Meal
Endoscopy- Uses a camera-guided hollow tube to check for abnormalities inside the esophagus.
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken through a small cutting tool passed through a hollow tube that collects the sample for analysis.
Barium Swallow Study—An X-ray study uses a harmless white liquid called barium to check for blockage in the esophagus.
Other Imaging test:-
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan—It uses a series of X-rays to create a highly detailed image of the affected region.
Endoscopic Ultrasound test—It uses a small probe that passes down to your throat to check for the surrounding esophageal region.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan—This test helps show how much cancer has spread and also monitors the disease progression.
Treatment for Esophageal Cancer (H-3 Tag)
Surgery is the most common way to remove the affected part, or if the cancer spreads to another body part, it may require chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on factors like your cancer stage, type, condition, and your preferences.
Endoscopic resection uses a special tube called an endoscope that passes down the throat into the esophagus and is recommended for small, early-stage tumors.
Esophagectomy—Removal of the part of the Esophagus that contains cancer, the remaining esophagus is reconnected to the stomach to allow normal swallowing and digestion.
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy—Often used in combination (chemoradiation), either before or after surgery
Immunotherapy- Uses medications like Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab to enhance immune response, especially for advanced or recurrent cancer.
Esophageal cancer: Global Vs India stats
|
Field |
Global (2022) |
India (2022) |
|---|---|---|
|
New Cases |
~511,054 new cases (GLOBOCAN); ASIR ~5.0/100k; 11th most common cancer |
~70,637 new cases; ASIR ~4.8/100k; men ~7.0/100k, women ~2.6/100k; more common in men |
|
Deaths |
~445,391 deaths; 7th leading cause of cancer death globally |
~66,450 deaths; high fatality rate due to late diagnosis and limited treatment access |
|
Age & Gender |
Mostly affects men over 50; risk linked to smoking, alcohol, hot drinks |
Mostly in men aged 45–70; male :female ≈ 2.5–3:1; risks include tobacco, spicy food, poor diet |
|
Hotspots |
East Asia (China, Iran), Central Asia, Eastern & Southern Africa |
High in Mizoram, Sikkim, Kashmir, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu |
|
Rural vs Urban |
Rural areas face worse outcomes globally due to late detection |
Rural India has a higher incidence, especially due to chewing tobacco and poor nutrition |
|
5-yr Survival |
Global survival ~15–20%; <5% in advanced cases |
Often <10–15% in India, as most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage |
|
Common Type |
Mainly Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC); Adenocarcinoma (EAC) is more common in the West |
ESCC >90% in India and strongly linked to tobacco, alcohol, hot/spicy food; adenocarcinoma is rare |
How is Denvax prepared?
|
Step |
What Happens |
|---|---|
|
1. Blood Collection |
A small sample of your blood (approximately 20 mL) is taken. This blood has special immune cells called monocytes. |
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2. Cell Preparation |
These cells are carefully separated and grown in the lab to become special cells known as dendritic cells. |
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3. Cancer Training |
The lab-grown cells are exposed to proteins from your tumor. This helps them learn to find and fight cancer cells. |
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4. Cell Activation |
These trained cells are activated with immune-boosting substances, allowing them to alert your immune system. |
|
5. Treatment Infusion |
The final medicine is mixed with saline and given to you through an IV drip. It takes about 20 minutes. |
Weight loss, chest pain, heartburn, trouble swallowing, and a chronic cough are early indicators. If these symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.
People over 50, smokers, heavy drinkers, and those with chronic acid reflux or Barrett’s esophagus have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Yes, long-term acid reflux or GERD can damage the esophagus lining, leading to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are major risk factors. The risk is increased by chronic esophageal inflammation.
Esophageal carcinoma is treatable and occasionally curable if detected early. Radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a mix of these may be used as treatment.
