ESOPHGEAL CANCER

malignant cells form in the smooth muscles

Has two separate types

Squamous cells carcinoma (SCC)

Found in the middle and upper part of the esophagus

Creates Squamous cells (SC)

SC are located in the lining of the esophagus

Adenocarcinoma

Affects the lower part of the esophagus

Begins in the Glandular cells

Ways adenocarcinoma spreads

Surrounding tissues

Blood steam

lymphatic system

Part of the immune system

Keeps the bodily fluids balanced

Defends body against infections

addications

Alcohol

Increases SCC cancer

Tobacco

Increases SCC and adenocarcinoma

Tumor dominant genes

genes that work in stopping cell growth when needed

when variants occur in these genes, it loses control over cell growth

Oncogenes

genes helping cell growth

when altered they cause uncontrollable cell growth

Spreads throughout the body

In the lining of the esophagus

WHAT SYSTEMS ARE INPACTED?

Digestive system

Stomach

prominent step in chemical digestion

forms chyme which is removed out of the body

Breakdown of bolus, helps the process of digestion

Contains HCL acid to breakdown bolus

Black stools

causes indigestion which impacts the body greatly

rapid heartburn

Weightloss

Esophagus

Prevents swallowing

slows down digestion process

could go down your windpipe

function: transporting food to the stomach

when the cancer prevents proper swallowing, this function becomes slowed down

Liver

the most common place for esophageal cancer to spread

cancer blocks the blood flow in the liver

if the blood flow is blocked, then the liver is unable to detoxify substances

causing liver damage

creating upper abdominal pain

function: produces bile, stores carbohydrates, vitamins and detoxify substances in the blood

Respiratory System

Lungs

coughing blood

fluid around the lungs

this causes the tissue in your lungs to become inflamed resulting in chest pain

chest pain

function: bring oxygen into our bodies and exhaling CO2

Trachea

Allows inspired and expired air to pass in and out

when affected by SCC, the trachea suffers from internal bleeding

located in front of the esophagus

the trachea being affected causes the gas exchange to be effected

BLOOD

Triggers Anemia

Iron deficiency

Caused by low oxygen deliver

SYMPTOMS?

HeartBurn

Smoking can lead to heart burn

HCL acid from the stomach rising to the esophagus

this creates a burning sensation in your esophagus

Weight Loss

A change in your metabolism and appetite

Chronic Cough

coughing blood

Only concerning if lasted for more then 4 weeks / few months

Barium swallow

You must drink a liquid called; Barium

helps doctors with seeing the X-ray better

X-Ray used on your esophagus

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Using a endoscope to look at your esophagus

Doctors take a piece of tissue to use during a biopsy

Esophagectomy

Common treatment for EARLY stage esophageal cancer

removing most of the esophagus and surringing tissues

Chemotherapy

Kills and stops cancer cells from growing

Targeted Therapy

Palliative care

a huge warning of cancer and internal bleeding

Stage 0 cancer

Some esophgaual cancer cells contain a HER2 protein

Targeted therapy targets these proteins using drugs

HER2 protein allows the cancer to grow and spread

The thinner lining of the esophagus

due to the inability to provide a passageway for air to come in and out

causing many negative effects

coughing up blood

Difficultly in breathing

Combining Tobacco and Alcohol increase risk of Cancer

causes cancer

Creating a NEW esophagus

Using parts of the stomach, chest and neck

causing cancer.

used in any stage

Low red blood cells and hemoglobin

red blood cells are in charge of oxygen deliver

recurring cancer

A recommended treatment to ensure comfortable life

helps with easing symptoms and overall pain

causes choking

larger amount of time is used for digestion or choking could occur

due to this placement of the stomach, it is very clear to see why parts of the stomach is used in a esophagectomy

works with white blood cells