Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

ESOPHAGEAL & ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCER

DESCRIPTION – gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer of the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. It starts in the gastroesophageal junction, the area where the esophagus and stomach join together. The cancer grows from cells that make mucus

SYMPTOMS –

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Weight loss without trying

Chest pain, pressure or burning

Worsening indigestion or heartburn

Coughing or hoarseness

RISK FACTORS –

Older age

Gender (mainly men are affected)

Tobacco and alcohol

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Barret’s esophagus

Obesity

Diet

Physical activity

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY – the two common distinctive pathologic subtypes of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These differs with regards to etiology, ethnic distribution, pathogenesis and location in the esophagus. The precursor lesions are also unique to each subtype

DIAGNOSIS –

Medical history and physical exam

Magnetic imaging resonance

Barium swallow test

Computed tomography scan

Endoscopy

HER2 testing

PD-L1 testing

MMR & MSI testing

Complete blood count

Liver enzymes