GKECF-About Esophageal Cancer






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Facts About Esophageal Cancer*:

Approximately, 15,000 people per year in the United States will be diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer (EC).

Esophageal Cancer is cancer that originates in the esophagus.

The esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach and is the pathway for which foods travels to the stomach.

Barrett's Esophagus is a condition that can result from chronic acid reflux.

Reflux is when the stomach contents back up into the esophagus causing damage to the esophagus.

In Barrett's Esophagus the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged and changes to resemble intestinal cells.

Approximately, 10-15 % of patients with long- term acid reflux will develop Barrett's Esophagus.

Patients with Barrett's Esophagus have a 30-125 fold higher risk of developing Esophageal Cancer.

Small tumors in the esophagus may not cause symptoms, but large tumors may cause difficulty in swallowing.

Other symptoms of EC may include indigestion, heartburn, vomiting, coughing, hoarseness, and frequent choking on food.

EC can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes in the chest.

Usually when the tumor is large enough to cause difficulty in swallowing the cancer has already spread to the lymph nodes or bloodstream.

Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the standard treatments for EC but there are many other treatments being studied.

If EC is detected early enough and surgery is a viable option, the chance of a cure is 50-80%.

If you or anybody you know has chronic acid reflux or difficulty swallowing, please consult your doctor. Early detection is the key to survival. If Greg knew what you just read before he got sick it might have saved his life.