Esophageal carcinoma
Tumors of the esophagus
Tumors of the esophagus can be benign (not cancer) and malignant (cancer). Esophagus cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues in the esophagus and with possible spread to the upper part of the stomach. A tumor can develop in both adults and children, each age group has its own risk factors and its treatment regimens.
Diagnosis of tumors of the esophagus
As diagnostic tests, invasive and non-invasive methods can be used:
Non-invasive diagnostic tests for esophageal tumors
• Inspection and collection of medical history by the therapist.
• Chest X-ray.
• Ultrasound scanning.
• CT or MRI of the chest with special contrast.
• PET CT is used at an advanced stage of the disease, when there is a fear that the cancer has gone beyond the boundaries of the tumor.
• Invasive tests
• Esophagoscopy. With it, you can perform a biopsy site and identify precancerous changes in the mucosa.
• Bronchoscopy. A bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs, it can be used to examine the trachea for the presence of tumors, and also perform a biopsy.
• Thoracoscopy: a surgical procedure for examining the organs inside the chest to check for abnormal areas identified in the pictures.
• Laparoscopy: a surgical procedure for examining the organs inside the abdominal cavity to detect signs of disease.
Treatment
The main method of treating esophageal cancer or cardioesophageal zone remains the operation, despite the fact that simultaneous chemoradiotherapy gives similar results. Since both of these approaches can lead to a cure, it is very important to start the correct treatment in the skilled hands of surgeons and oncologists.
Forecast
Low rates of five-year survival in the CIS are due to the inability of surgeons to completely remove the tumor of the esophagus and save the patient a quality of life - the possibility of feeding and breathing on their own. Therefore, many patients are refused treatment and transfer to palliative care.
