What causes esophageal cancer?
Health InformationNo one knows exactly what causes esophageal cancer. At the top of the esophagus is a muscle, called the sphincter, that releases to let food or liquid go through. The lower part of the esophagus is connected to the stomach. Another muscle is located at this connection that opens to allow the food to enter the stomach. This muscle also works to keep food and juices from the stomach from backing into the esophagus. When these juices do back up, reflux, commonly known as heartburn, occurs.
Related QuestionsWhat are the causes of esophageal cancer, and can I do anything to prevent it?
Mass Near The Esophagus -- Cancer? Benign?Specifically, esophageal cancer, while much more common in some parts of the world, accounts for only about one percent of all cancers in the United States. This particular type of cancer tends to be found in patients over 55 years of age and is twice as likely to be diagnosed in a man than in a woman. In addition, it is more common in African-Americans than in white people.
Related QuestionsWhat is esophageal cancer?
Health InformationEsophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The esophagus, located just behind the trachea, is about 10 to 13 inches in length and allows food to enter the stomach for digestion. The wall of the esophagus is made up of several layers and cancers generally start from the inner layer and grow out.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?
Health InformationOften, early stages of esophageal cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms do not appear until the disease is more advanced. The following are the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: A condition known as dysphagia, this is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. This gives a sensation of having food lodged in the chest, and persons with dysphagia often switch to softer foods to help with swallowing.
Related QuestionsHow is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
Health InformationIn addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for esophageal cancer may include the following: chest x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (Also called barium swallow.
Related QuestionsWhat causes cancer?
Tennessee Department of Health: Tennessee Cancer RegistryCancer is caused by external factors such as exposure to chemicals and viruses. It is also caused by internal factors such as hormones and inherited cancer genes. These factors may work together or in sequence to start or promote a cancer. Ten years to a lifetime may pass between exposure to these factors and detectable cancer.
Related QuestionsFAQ's ABOUT CANCER - DCHRCA number of agents have been implicated in causing cancer. A large proportion of cancers are caused by living habits and environmental carcinogens: Tobacco: causes cancer of the mouth, throat (pharynx), voicebox (larynx), food pipe (esophagus), lung, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder, and uterine cervix. At least 90% of lung cancer deaths are due to smoking.Related Questions
QuestionsIt is rarely possible to find the cause of a cancer in an individual, but studies on groups of people with cancer have shown specific risk factors to be associated with specific cancers. This suggests that different types of cancer probably have different causes. These studies also indicate that cancer formation is a multi-step process, and that for most cancers the time from a cancer-causing exposure to a clinically diagnosable cancer averages about 20 years.Related Questions
What are the different types of esophageal cancer?
Health InformationThere are two main types of esophageal cancer. The most common type of esophageal cancer, known as adenocarcinoma, develops in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus, near the opening of the stomach. Squamous cell carcinoma grows in the cells that form the top layer of the lining of the esophagus, known as squamous cells. This type of cancer can grow anywhere along the esophagus.
Related QuestionsWhat are the risk factors for esophageal cancer?
Health InformationThe risk increases with age, with persons over the age of 60 being at greatest risk for developing esophageal cancer. Using any form of tobacco raises the risk of esophageal cancer. The longer tobacco is used, the greater the risk, with the greatest risk among persons who have indulged in long-term drinking with tobacco use. Scientists believe that these substances increase each other's harmful effects, making persons who do both especially susceptible to developing the disease.
Related QuestionsHow is esophageal cancer treated?
Mass Near The Esophagus -- Cancer? Benign?Esophageal cancer is difficult to cure unless it is discovered in the earlier stages, before it has begun to spread. Unfortunately, early esophageal cancers are seldom symptomatic and the disease is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis. Esophageal cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Doctors may choose different combinations of these treatments based on the specifics of each case.
Related QuestionsWhat causes tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia?
Health Informationa fetus is growing and developing in its mother's uterus before birth, different organ systems are developing and maturing. The trachea and the esophagus begin developing as one single tube. At about four to eight weeks after conception, a wall forms between the fetus' esophagus and trachea to separate them into two distinct tubes. If this wall does not form properly, TE fistula and/or esophageal atresia can occur.
Related QuestionsWhat causes colon or rectal cancer?
USC Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DisordersColorectal cancer is caused by genetic changes that occur in the cells lining the large intestine. These changes occur slowly over time, and usually form a polyp before a frank cancer develops. While we cannot yet change genes to prevent colon cancer, screening for colorectal cancer can detect earlier cancers or allow your doctor to remove polyps, so that they cannot become cancers.
Related QuestionsWhat causes breast cancer?
Breast Cancer FAQNo one yet knows what causes breast cancer, but medical research has generated a lot of knowledge about the disease. Researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center have made some important discoveries in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, ranging from understanding more about the genetic aspects of cancer to developing a vaccine that may treat and prevent breast cancer. Read more about breakthroughs at The James.
Related QuestionsContact PageThere are many causes of cancer, and for some cancers there may be no known cause. Activities such as tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing cancers. Tobacco use is linked with increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs, bladder, kidneys as well as other sites. Not everyone who smokes will develop a cancer, and not everyone who does not smoke or drink alcohol will be spared from developing a cancer.Related Questions
What causes colorectal cancer?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerThe exact cause of most colorectal cancers is not yet known. About 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. There are some known factors that may increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer, which include: Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). (Just 5% of colorectal cancers are linked to these genetic syndromes.)
Related QuestionsWhat causes childhood cancer?
FAQsLittle is really known about what causes each of the various types of childhood cancer. Research so far as not been able to tell us why certain children develop cancer and others don't. What is known is that chromosome disorders account for most leukemias. High levels of exposure to radiation, such as the use of X-rays during pregnancy have been linked with one or more childhood cancers. And children with Down Syndrome are known to be at higher risk of developing leukemia.
Related QuestionsWhat causes kidney cancer?
PROLEUKIN® (aldesleukin): FAQs About Kidney CancerAlthough the exact causes of kidney cancer have not been determined, certain risk factors exist that make a person more prone to the disease. These include smoking, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, obesity, hemodialysis, a family history of kidney cancer, and certain occupations/workplace conditions. Please see ( Facts About Kidney Cancer for more information.)
Related QuestionsWhat is esophageal dilation?
LapBand FAQThis is when the esophagus enlarges over time, and is probably related to either too tight a Band, or possibly improper placement of the Band around the junction of the esophagus and stomach. This requires loosening or removal of the Band.
Related QuestionsShould everyone get a second opinion for esophageal cancer?
Frequently Asked Questions about Esophageal CancerMany people with cancer get a second opinion from another doctor. There are many reasons to get a second opinion. Here are some of those reasons. Many people have a hard time deciding which treatment to have. It may help to have a second doctor review the diagnosis and treatment options before starting treatment. A short delay in treatment usually will not lower the chance that it will work. Some health insurance companies even require that a person with cancer seek a second opinion.
Related QuestionsHow can someone get a second opinion for esophageal cancer?
Frequently Asked Questions about Esophageal CancerAsk a primary care doctor. He or she may be able to suggest a specialist. This may be a surgeon, gastroenterologist, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist. Sometimes these doctors work together at cancer centers or hospitals. Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service. The number is 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). They have information about treatment facilities.
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