10 Most Common Cancers
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
7. Esophageal Cancer
In 2018, esophageal cancer was the 7th commonest cancer with a total of 572,034 newly diagnosed cases, or 3.4% of all cancers in 2018. The esophagus is the pipe connecting the throat and stomach. In esophageal cancer, patients may experience dysphagia, weight loss, hoarse voice, odynophagia, enlarged lymph nodes, coughing up blood, and appetite loss.
It can be generally divided into esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Risk factors include obesity, acid reflux, smoking, poor diet, betel nut chewing, and alcohol. It can be diagnosed through a biopsy using an endoscope. Treatment includes chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Palliative care is recommended for advanced cases.
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