Some cancers have increased dramatically over the past few decades, and esophageal cancer – specifically, the adenocarcinoma form of esophageal cancer – is one of them. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 13,000 men and 3,500 women are diagnosed with esophageal cancer each year. But there are ways to reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer and early symptoms to watch out for.
Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Cancers of the Esophagus
There are two types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. They develop in different ways and in different areas of the esophagus, but once they are present, the two types of cancer behave in similar ways, and esophageal cancer can be very aggressive and difficult to treat in later stages.
What's the difference between squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma? Squamous cell cancer develops in the middle part of the esophagus and is usually caused by alcohol and tobacco use. It has traditionally affected African-American men and Asian-American men.
Adenocarcinoma occurs in the lowest portion of the esophagus (where it meets the stomach) and is caused by Barrett's esophagus, a condition which in turn is caused by chronic acid reflux. This second type of esophageal cancer also affects mostly men.
The good news is that, as Matthew Hoffman, MD writes in a WebMD article called "Esophageal Cancer on the Rise," the rates of squamous cell cancers have dropped slightly since the 1970s. The bad news is that adenocarcinoma rates have risen from a rate of four people per million in 1975 to 23 people per million in 2001 - making it one of the fastest-growing types of cancer in the U.S.
Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer
According to Hoffman and the National Cancer Institute's esophageal cancer home page, the risk of esophageal cancer rises for those who are:
- over 60
- male
- use tobacco products
- use alcohol heavily (more than three drinks per day for men or one for women)
- obese
- drink scalding-hot drinks
- have developed Barrett's esophagus
Barrett's esophagus, also known as Barrett esophagus, is a condition in which chronic acid reflux damages the esophagus and causes abnormal cells to grow in the lower part of the esophagus. These abnormal cells can become cancerous, leading to adenocarcinoma. Hoffman writes that although 90% of people with Barrett's esophagus will not develop esophageal cancer, it does raise the risk of adenocarcinoma to a one in 200 chance.
Diet may also play a role in preventing esophageal cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that some studies suggest that a diet low in fruits and vegetables is also a risk factor for esophageal cancer, but that diet studies are inconclusive.
Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
It is possible to have esophageal cancer without any symptoms, but many people with the disease experience:
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- coughing, perhaps with blood in the sputum
- chronic heartburn or acid reflux (GERD)
- a hoarse voice or cough lasting more than two weeks
- pain in the chest behind the breastbone, or in the back
- weight loss
According to Hoffman, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends that "patients with chronic GERD [acid reflux] symptoms are those most likely to have Barrett's esophagus and should undergo upper endoscopy."
Learn More about Cancer of the Esophagus
The National Cancer Institute has a helpful online booklet, What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Esophagus, with information on esophageal cancer such as diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, follow-up care. The booklet also provides sample questions esophageal cancer patients should ask their doctor at every step of the way, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care.
Natalie Cooper - Natalie Cooper is a freelance writer and mother of three small children, which has given her experience with not only parenting, but ...
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