What is Oesophageal Cancer? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Life goes by quickly in the UK while living and working. We often learn to ignore the little aches and pains because we are busy with work, family, and staying connected to our roots. A bit of heartburn after a rich meal or a Friday night curry? We could just say it is indigestion and move on.

But what if that feeling of discomfort does not go away right away? What if it is your body's way of sending a quiet but constant message that something needs to be looked into?

In this blog, we will provide you with information regarding oesophageal cancer that will help you detect the early signs, its risk factors, and the effective treatment options that are available, helping you take charge of your health with confidence.

What is Oesophagus?

Before delving into the oesophageal cancer symptoms, let us first understand the body part it is concerned with. Your oesophagus is like a muscular food highway that runs from your throat to your stomach. This tube pushes everything down safely every time you eat or drink.

Oesophageal cancer happens when the cells that line this highway start to grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled way, making a tumour. This abnormal growth can make the passage smaller, which is why the first signs are often related to swallowing.

What are the Symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer?

The most important thing to remember is that the initial symptoms of Oesophageal cancer are often small and easy to miss. The first step toward early detection is to know about the signs of oesophageal cancer, which greatly improves outcomes. If any of these symptoms last longer than three weeks, you should see your doctor right away.

• Dysphagia (trouble swallowing): It is the most common sign. You might feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest. You may find yourself chewing more slowly or staying away from drier foods like chapati or chicken.
• Persistent indigestion or Heartburn: Acid reflux that does not go away with simple treatments needs to be looked into. This is medically known as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD).
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight when you are not trying to is a significant red flag.
• A Hoarse Voice or a Chronic Cough: If a tumour presses on the nerve that controls your vocal cords, it can change the sound of your voice or cause a persistent cough.
• Pain or Discomfort: This can feel like a general pain behind your breastbone or in your back.

Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Oesophageal Cancer

While the exact trigger for every case is not known, experts have identified several key factors that increase a person's risk.

GORD (Chronic Acid Reflux)

If you have heartburn all the time, stomach acid can splash up and hurt the cells that line your lower oesophagus over time.

Barrett’s Oesophagus

Barrett's Oesophagus is an important condition to know about.  It happens because GORD has damaged the cells in the oesophagus over time, making them more like cells that line the stomach. Barrett's Oesophagus does not cause cancer, but it does make you much more likely to get it, so you need to keep an eye on it.

Obesity

Being overweight, especially around the middle, puts more pressure on the stomach and can make acid reflux worse.

Smoking and Drinking

Both smoking and drinking too much are major risk factors. Using tobacco hurts cells directly, while drinking too much alcohol irritates the lining of the oesophagus, leading to abnormal growth. 

Diet

Eating a lot of processed foods and not enough fresh fruits and vegetables has also been highly linked to what causes oesophageal cancer. 

How to Tell if You Have Oesophageal Cancer?

If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, your doctor will ask you to go through various tests and examinations. This process is meant to give you clarity and plan the oesophageal cancer treatment.

Endoscopy

This is the main oesophageal cancer test. A specialist passes a thin and flexible tube with a camera on the end (an endoscope) down your throat to look directly at the lining of your oesophagus. It is usually done with a sedative or throat spray to keep you comfortable.

Biopsy

If the specialist sees an abnormal area during the endoscopy, they will take a tiny sample of tissue (a biopsy) to be examined in a lab. This is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.

Further Scans (CT, PET)

If cancer is confirmed, you will be required to go through further scans to check if the cancer has spread. This process is called staging, and it is essential for planning the best possible treatment for you.

What are the Treatment Options Available?

It is frightening to get a diagnosis, but it is also important to know that treatment for oesophageal cancer has come a long way. A team of specialist doctors will talk about your case and suggest a treatment plan that is just right for you. The most effective available options include:

• Surgery (Oesophagectomy): To remove the tumour, and sometimes all or part of the oesophagus.
• Chemotherapy: Powerful medicines used to kill cancer cells, often given before surgery to shrink a tumour.
• Radiotherapy: Using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Newer and advanced treatments that work by targeting specific weaknesses in cancer cells or by helping your own immune system fight the cancer.
• Palliative Care: Focused on managing symptoms and improving your quality of life at any stage of illness.

Final Thoughts

You can take charge of your health no matter where you are. One of the best things you can do is learn about your body and speak up for your health. By recognising the early signs of oesophageal cancer and knowing the risk factors, you are already taking a vital step towards protecting your future.

The NHS offers world-class care to people who live in the UK. But we know that it can be very hard to deal with a serious health problem when you are far away from your extended family and cultural support system in India. This is where planning becomes very important. Having the right support system gives you choices. A comprehensive health insurance plan for NRIs gives you that freedom. It can cover treatment back in India, which means you can be close to your support network during a hard time without having to worry about money. 

Our health insurance plans offer such benefits that cater to the diverse needs of the NRIs. With our extensive network of hospitals and promising CSR, our plans ensure high-quality healthcare, minimise out-of-pocket expenses, and provide peace of mind during medical emergencies. 

People Also Ask?

How many people with oesophageal cancer survive?

Due to earlier diagnosis and better treatments, survival rates have been steadily rising. Keep in mind that statistics are just averages. Your own outcome will depend on how far along the cancer is when it is found and how healthy you are overall. 

Is it possible to cure oesophageal cancer?

Yes. Oesophageal cancer UK can often be treated if it is found early enough and has not spread. This usually involves surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy.

Is it possible to stop esophageal cancer?

You can greatly lower your risk by not smoking, drinking only a little, staying at a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. If you have GORD that does not go away, it is important to get it treated and managed.

I have bad acid reflux (GORD). Will that give me cancer?

Not at all. Most people with GORD will never get cancer of the oesophagus. But chronic, long-term GORD is a risk factor, so it is important to talk to your doctor about it and make lifestyle changes and take medication to control it.

What are the different kinds of oesophageal cancer?

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type. It usually starts in the lower oesophagus and is strongly linked to GORD and obesity. Squamous Cell Carcinoma, on the other hand, starts in the upper or middle oesophagus and is more closely linked to smoking and drinking.