The symptoms of esophageal cancer may include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), weight loss, chest pain or discomfort, hoarseness or coughing, and indigestion or heartburn. However, in the early stages, esophageal cancer may not cause any symptoms.
The exact cause of esophageal cancer is not fully understood, but risk factors include chronic acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and certain medical conditions such as Barrett's esophagus.
Treatment for esophageal cancer may include surgery to remove the affected part of the esophagus, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and severity of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and other factors.
The prognosis for esophageal cancer depends on the stage and severity of the cancer, as well as the patient's age and overall health.
