Esophageal cancer is one of the more common malignant diseases of the esophagus. A cancerous formation arises in the cells of the mucous membranes of the esophagus.
Causes
There can be many causes for the occurrence of esophageal cancer. Some of them are still unknown. At the Israeli Ichilov Hospital, a number of causes of esophageal cancer have been identified. Often, irritant factors that provoke the disease are encountered, such as chemical substances, mechanical impacts, or the presence of thermal irritants in the esophagus. There are also several types of diseases classified as precancerous. This group of diseases primarily leads to esophageal cancer. Such diseases include complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease, strictures, achalasia of the cardia, and hiatal hernia. In addition, causes of esophageal cancer have been found in gene mutations and the papillomavirus. Nutrition, harmful habits, and ecology also play a significant role.
Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
Like any other oncological disease, esophageal cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages of development. The disease manifests only when there are difficulties in swallowing and the movement of food through the esophagus. The tumor prevents the esophagus from functioning normally. It grows inward, gradually obstructing the lumen. The further esophageal cancer progresses, the more difficult it becomes to eat. In the later stages of the disease, esophageal obstruction becomes life-threatening. Symptoms include regurgitation of saliva and mucus, vomiting, chest pain, and air regurgitation. The tumor in esophageal cancer is very dangerous. There is a high probability of spreading to neighboring organs and metastasizing throughout the body.
Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer in Israel
The presence of bodily dysfunctions and the inability to perform basic actions, such as swallowing food, should clearly indicate to you the existence of a problem that needs to be urgently addressed. The Israeli Ichilov Clinic specializes in conducting all types of diagnostic examinations for the presence of esophageal cancer. The Ichilov Hospital provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic techniques that have proven effective over many years of successful practice. Among them, esophageal X-rays, endoscopy, ultrasound examination, computed tomography, bronchoscopy, and biopsy have shown high effectiveness.
Treatment of Esophageal Cancer in Israel
The most effective way to eliminate the dangerous condition of the patient is the surgical removal of the affected esophagus with subsequent reconstruction. This method of combating esophageal cancer is universal, meaning it is suitable for almost everyone. At Ichilov Hospital, oncologists and plastic surgeons perform dozens of such operations daily with a very high success rate.
Prevention
There are no exact and universal methods for the prevention of esophageal cancer. It is widely believed that the absence of harmful habits, a normal ecological environment, and a healthy lifestyle can protect you from the risk of developing esophageal cancer.