What is esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is cancer that develops within the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquids to the stomach.

Esophageal cancer can cause an increase in abnormal cells in the lining of the esophagus, which can obstruct the normal passage of food.

Esophageal cancer often causes few symptoms in the early stages, and problems such as pain, difficulty swallowing (swallowing), weight loss, and hematemesis appear after the disease has progressed. Diagnosis requires endoscopy, imaging tests, and biopsy. It is important to detect esophageal cancer at an early stage and begin treatment, and a healthy lifestyle and regular physical examinations are important for prevention

Example of proposed treatment for esophageal cancer

Surgery:

In early stages of esophageal cancer, surgery may be performed to remove part or the entire esophagus. This surgery may involve reconstruction of the esophagus.

Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells and may be administered before or after surgery. Some esophageal cancers are located in areas that are difficult to remove by surgery, and in such cases, particle therapy, a type of radiation therapy, may be considered.　 Particle beams are characterized by their ability to concentrate high doses of radiation on cancerous tissue and minimize the impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to attack cancer cells and inhibit cancer growth. It is sometimes combined with radiation therapy.