Symptoms, risks, and modern treatment methods.

Esophageal cancer: clinical characteristics, diagnostics and treatment are the topics discussed by an oncosurgeon at the Institute of Clinical Oncology, Professor Lado Kuchava.

What is the esophagus?

The esophagus is a muscular hollow organ, the main function of which is to pass food from the mouth to the stomach. Anatomically, it consists of a mucous membrane and several layers of muscle. The functioning of the esophagus is based on peristaltic movements, which contribute to the consistent passing of food towards the stomach.

What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?

Due to the small diameter of the esophagus, its malignant tumors often cause symptoms in the early stages. The most characteristic and early symptom is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which progresses rapidly and inhibits the response to both solid and liquid food. This clinical indicator often appears in the early stages of malignant tumors.

What are the diagnostic methods?

Endoscopic examination, namely gastroscopy, is a key option in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. This method allows for visualization of the suspicious area and taking a biopsy for histological examination. An additional diagnostic tool is X-ray examination with barium contrast, which makes it possible to assess structural changes in the esophagus.

Is it more common in women or men?

Esophageal cancer is most common in men over the age of 40. The incidence of the disease is significantly higher in men than in women, which may be related to various risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as dietary habits.

What are the treatment strategies?

The main methods of treatment are surgery and radiation therapy. The treatment tactic depends on the stage of the tumor, its localization, and the general condition of the patient. Esophageal surgery is a difficult and complex procedure, which is often followed by reconstructive operations.

Esophageal surgery has a very interesting history. There is a known case where the process of esophageal reconstruction lasted for nine years due to the damage caused by a chemical burn. In today's surgical practice, one of the most effective and common methods of esophageal reconstruction is considered to be the restoration of the esophagus through the stomach.

Esophageal cancer is a serious oncological pathology, the early diagnosis of which significantly increases the likelihood of effective treatment. Modern treatment methods, especially the combination of surgical techniques and radiation therapy, give patients a real opportunity to maintain their quality of life.