The stage of esophageal cancer and their symptoms

In the list of cancer incidence esophageal cancer ranks 6th. The stage of esophageal cancer is determined by clinical signs such as the prevalence of cancer, type of tumor, its form and cellular structure.

Differentiation of the tumor

According to the degree of tumor growth distinguish usernotification, vysokomehanizirovannoe, undifferentiated and poorly differentiated degree. High capability to differentiate cancer cells says a lesser aggressiveness and a slower rate of development. The most dangerous are tumors that do not differenciate. They perform only one function – reproduction. Treatment prognosis of such tumors is unfavorable.

Classification of esophageal cancer

There are 4 main stages of cancer development.

1. For esophageal cancer the first stage or zero is characterized by minimal atypical cells in the submucosa and the mucosa of the esophagus. The tumor in the initial stage is about 3 cm Over time the cells can degenerate into malignant and invade the nearby tissues and organs.

2. The second stage of esophageal cancer is characterized by lesions of the muscle membrane. There is a narrowing of the lumen of the esophagus and appear isolated metastases. The tumor is up to 5 cm in diameter.

3. Esophageal cancer third stage captures all the layers and affects regional lymph nodes, forming multiple metastases.

4. The fourth stage is the final. It is characterized by the lesion of the entire esophagus, okoloplodna fiber and all the surrounding organs, metastasis.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer

As a rule, at the beginning of the development of the disease, ie, 1 or 2 stages the patient does not feel any specific symptoms.

May experience chest pain or swallowing, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea. Have difficulty swallowing, especially solid food. Over time, swallowing becomes more difficult. There is a pain between the shoulder blades. This is due to a lesion of the mucous membrane of the esophagus.

For cancer of the esophagus stage 3 is characterized by increased salivation, shortness of breath, choking during swallowing.
With the spread of tumor, stage 4 cancer of the esophagus the patient has a cough (dry or with purulent sputum). The pain occurs in connection with tumor invasion into the organs. Features of esophageal cancer 4 degrees is that at this stage appears the risk of bleeding, which can lead to death of the patient. If the trachea is affected, then the person has sputum with blood, hemoptysis. At stage 4 esophageal cancer, the tumor reaches a maximum size and grows in all the neighboring organs, forming a fistula. This results in a complex inflammatory processes that drain human. Violated the act of swallowing food in connection with the narrowing of the esophagus and the patient is not able to eat. If time does not hold the necessary treatment people will die from hunger.

Of unusual symptoms noted weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, and fever. Depending on the structure of the tumor distinguish between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Diagnosis

At the earliest stages to identify the presence of tumor is quite difficult. Diseases of the esophagus such as Barrett's esophagus other need to undergo regular survey.

For the diagnosis of esophageal cancer using instrumental methods of examination: plain radiography, axial tomography. This method allows to determine the state of the bronchi, the trachea, the surrounding lymph nodes. The most reliable method of diagnosis is a contrast study of the esophagus. For thisusing a suspension of barium.

To assess the condition of the stomach during x-ray contrast examination. Thus, it is possible to detect ulcers, tumors and polyps.

Using the method of esophagogastroscopy you can conduct a thorough inspection of the mucosa of the esophagus, 12 duodenal ulcer and stomach, to take part of the tumor for examination, and to clearly define the boundaries. It is the most safe and convenient method of examination of tumors of the esophagus. If the tumor is small, then carry out the operation using the same apparatus.

For inspection of the trachea and the bronchi use fibrobronchoscope. This inspection helps to determine the presence of vrastani tumors in organs. With the help of computer tomography defines metastatic disease and tumor growth in other tissues and organs. A method of ultrasonic examination is used to determine the depth of tumor.

The causes of esophageal cancer

Although the exact causes of esophageal cancer is unknown, there are several factors that contribute to this disease:

• too spicy and hot food;
• smoked, pickled, salted foods;
• products with small stones;
• alcohol;
• Smoking;
• lack of vitamins (C, E, A).

Also predisposing factors include esophagitis, presence of ulcers or erosions in the esophagus.

Contribute to the appearance of tumor and hereditary diseases of the esophagus, such as Tilos (a genetic disorder which disrupts the development of the cells covering the inner wall of the esophagus), and achalasia (impaired patency of the esophagus), and chemical or thermal burns of the esophagus, the esophagus enters the metal dust. Esophageal cancer can occur in a person whose close relatives suffered from the disease (genetic predisposition).

Treatment by stage

A method for the treatment of esophageal cancer depends on the stage of disease and degree of dissemination of tumor process, and the condition of the patient.

Treatment can be performed surgically, by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combined method.

Surgical method of treatment used in 1 or 2 stages of the disease. Sometimes the operation is carried out in 3 stages. A prerequisite for the operation: the lack of a large number of metastases in important organs and tissues. Also patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Considered curable patient, whose tumor is on the inside of the esophagus, if there is no lymph node involvement. In this case, carry out resection of the esophagus to remove the affected portion or the complete removal of the esophagus. To restore digestive function is substitution of plastic (for example, the oesophagus replaced by colon).

In the presence of dysphagia in the later stages of esophageal cancer (3 and stage 4) when there is no possibility to carry out operative treatment the patient is gastrostomy (creation of an artificial entrance to the stomach). This man lead the hole on the stomach, so he had the opportunity to eat not through the mouth.

Of the modern methods of treatment successfully used endoscopic lasers that allow you to remove part of the tumor. To increase the lumen of the esophagus, we introduce a special metal frame, this method is called stenting. To prevent the risk of metastases or of recurrence of the disease along with surgical treatment is used in cytokine therapy (cytokines, special proteins, synthesized by the human immune system to combat tumors).

The most favorable prognosis for the patient is determined for cancer of the esophagus in stage 1 and 2, in the case respectively of the treatment. 3 and 4 stage of cancer of the esophagus tells about the least favorable prognosis, in connection withthe fact that patients are too malnourished and many die from the inability to eat normally.

The prognosis of the disease

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive disease, despite modern methods of treatment. Even in a situation when the tumor was removed before the appearance of metastases, only 20% of patients survive the five-year mark.

The key to a successful recovery and effective treatment of this disease is the timely diagnosis in the early stages of esophageal cancer, namely the first stage.

In order to significantly reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, you must adhere to certain peculiarities in the diet, significantly reduce factors that contribute to its occurrence. People with an increased risk of the disease should undergo mandatory testing, with the aim to identify disease at the earliest stages of development, when the effect of treatment will be most favorable.