Personal stories from real people who survived their disease … And how they did it!

personal stories from people who successfully battled their disease and how they did it

More about Oesophageal / Esophogus

The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that’s responsible for moving food from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer can occur when a malignant tumor forms in the lining of the esophagus. As the tumor grows, it can affect the deep tissues and muscle of the esophagus. A tumor can appear anywhere along the length of the esophagus, including where the esophagus and the stomach meet.

Types

There are two common types of esophageal cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma occurs when cancer starts in the flat, thin cells that make up the lining of the esophagus. This form most often appears in the top or middle of the esophagus, but it can appear anywhere. Adenocarcinoma occurs when cancer starts in the glandular cells of the esophagus that are responsible for the production of fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinomas are most common in the lower portion of the esophagus.

Symptoms

During the early stages of esophageal cancer, you probably won’t experience any symptoms. As your cancer progresses, you may experience: unintentional weight loss, indigestion, heartburn, pain or difficulty when swallowing, frequent choking while eating, vomiting, food coming back up the esophagus or chest pain.