Esophageal Cancer: Definition and Treatment

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a serious health problem that is quite common today and is particularly seen in adults. This disease is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of a tube-shaped organ called the esophagus, which is located between the mouth and stomach. Having information about esophageal cancer, its symptoms, and treatment methods is important for early diagnosis and a successful treatment process. In this article, we have attempted to answer frequently asked questions about esophageal cancer.

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the inner surface of the esophagus and forms a tumor by multiplying uncontrollably. Esophageal cancer is divided into two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus and consists of flat cells. Adenocarcinoma, on the other hand, begins in the lower portion of the esophagus and results from cell changes caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

What Causes Esophageal Cancer?

Although the exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown, it has been associated with certain risk factors. These risk factors include:

• Tobacco and alcohol use,

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),

• Barrett's esophagus,

• Overweight and obesity,

• Diet and nutrition,

• Genetic factors and family history,

What are the Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer may not show symptoms in early stages. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may be seen:

• Difficulty swallowing,

• Weight loss,

• Pain and discomfort,

• Hoarseness and cough,

• Heartburn and reflux,

If esophageal cancer is suspected, it is important to contact a gastroenterologist or oncologist and undergo necessary tests. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods, esophageal cancer can be successfully treated.

How is Esophageal Cancer Diagnosed?

Doctors use various methods to diagnose esophageal cancer. Some methods used for esophageal cancer diagnosis can be listed as follows:

The doctor performs a physical examination to evaluate the patient's general health status and symptoms. At this stage, information is gathered about the patient's medical history and lifestyle.

Endoscopy is used in patients suspected of having esophageal cancer. In this method, the doctor places an endoscope, which is a thin and flexible tube, through the patient's mouth into the esophagus. Through the camera and light at the tip of the endoscope, the doctor visualizes the inner surface of the esophagus and detects abnormal areas.

During endoscopy, the doctor takes samples from suspicious areas and performs a biopsy. Biopsy samples are examined in a pathology laboratory and the presence of cancer cells is confirmed.

Various imaging tests are used to determine the stage and extent of esophageal cancer. These include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound.

In some cases, doctors may use a surgical procedure called laparoscopy to evaluate the spread and stage of cancer. In this method, the doctor places a thin tube and camera into the abdominal cavity and checks whether the cancer has spread to the liver and other organs.

What is Done in Esophageal Cancer Treatment?

Esophageal cancer treatment is determined based on factors such as the patient's general health status, the stage of cancer, and its extent. Treatment options include:

Surgery is used in esophageal cancer treatment to remove cancerous tissue and surrounding healthy tissue. Surgical options include esophagectomy (removal of part or all of the esophagus) and laryngectomy (removal of the larynx).

Radiation therapy aims to kill cancer cells using high-energy rays. This treatment can be applied before or after surgery and sometimes in combination with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is a treatment method in which drugs that prevent the growth and multiplication of cancer cells are used. Chemotherapy can be applied before or after surgery and sometimes in combination with radiation therapy.

Targeted therapies use drugs that act on specific proteins or genes that prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. These treatments can be applied in combination with other treatment methods or alone.

Immunotherapy uses drugs that strengthen the patient's immune system to help it fight cancer cells. This treatment can be particularly used in patients with esophageal cancer that is resistant to other treatment methods.

What are the Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer risk factors refer to conditions that increase the likelihood of cancer development. Some known risk factors for esophageal cancer include:

• Tobacco and alcohol use significantly increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

• GERD, resulting from the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

• Being overweight or obese is a factor that increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

• The risk of esophageal cancer increases with age. This type of cancer is usually seen in people aged 50 and older.

• Men have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer compared to women.

• Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

• People with first-degree relatives who have esophageal cancer have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

• Genetic conditions, particularly Barrett's esophagus, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has managed to gain international recognition through its investments and efforts in the field of healthcare. In particular, the latest technological equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has given hope for many diseases. Moreover, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

The reasons for preference include:

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being specialists, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and correctly,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering vacation opportunities with its natural and historical beauty,

• Easy accessibility,

• Diagnostic, treatment, accommodation, food, beverage, clothing, and vacation needs being met at affordable prices,

We can see that patients and their relatives who wish to come to Turkey are researching the costs of esophageal cancer treatment in Turkey. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide exact price information. Many factors affect pricing, such as the type of disease, its stage, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the duration of stay in Turkey. If you would like to access more detailed price information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our intermediation, we can facilitate your visa application process through an invitation letter we send to the consulate.