Esophageal Cancer

Low-dose aspirin stymies proliferation of two breast cancer lines, study finds

Regular use of low-dose aspirin may prevent the progression of breast cancer, according to results of a study by researchers at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., and the University of Kansas Medical ...

Cancer created Apr 21, 2013 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Other stomach microbiota modulate resistance to H. pylori-driven ulcers

Mice with different naturally occurring stomach bacteria have distinct susceptibilities to disease caused by Helicobacter pylori, the well-known cause of ulcers in humans, according to a study published online ahead of pri ...

Immunology created Mar 25, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study finds molecular 'signature' for rapidly increasing form of esophageal cancer

During the past 30 years, the number of patients with cancers that originate near the junction of the esophagus and stomach has increased approximately 600 percent in the United States. The first extensive probe of the DNA ...

Cancer created Mar 24, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Some bacteria may protect against disease caused by stomach infection

Half of the world's human population is infected with the stomach bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, yet it causes disease in only about 10 percent of those infected. Other bacteria living in the stomach may be a key fa ...

Immunology created Mar 12, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Biomarkers may help predict progression of Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma

A series of microRNA expression signatures that may help to define progression of the precancerous condition Barrett's esophagus into esophageal adenocarcinoma was reported recently in Cancer Prevention Research, a journa ...

Cancer created Mar 06, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Bracelet-like device controls chronic acid reflux, study finds

A bracelet-like device with magnetic beads can control the chronic digestive disorder gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to a study published online today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Feb 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study shows long-term efficacy of minimally invasive therapy for patients with Barrett's esophagus

According to a new study by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, patients with Barrett's esophagus and early or pre-cancerous cells have been shown to significantly benefit from ...

Cancer created Feb 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

CT texture analysis of tumors may be a valuable biomarker in localized esophageal cancer

CT texture analysis of primary tumors may be a potential imaging biomarker in localized esophageal cancer following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, according to research being presented at the 2013 Cancer Imaging and Radiation ...

Cancer created Feb 08, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Chronic heartburn could spur asthma in some patients

(HealthDay)—Chronic heartburn is a major cause of asthma in adults, a new study suggests.

Surgery created Jan 25, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Surgeon volume, prognosis post-esophageal cancer op linked

(HealthDay)—For patients with esophageal cancer undergoing resection, surgeon volume, but not hospital volume, is independently associated with prognosis, according to research published online Jan. 7 in ...

Cancer created Jan 24, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Pill-sized device provides rapid, detailed imaging of esophageal lining

Physicians may soon have a new way to screen patients for Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition usually caused by chronic exposure to stomach acid. Researchers at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine ...

Medical research created Jan 13, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (5) | comments 2 | with audio podcast

Centralization to fewer surgeons results in better survival after esophageal cancer surgery

Patients who undergo surgery for oesophageal cancer have a much greater chance of long term survival if the operation is carried out by a surgeon who has performed this particular operation many times before. This according ...

Cancer created Jan 07, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Children born prematurely are at higher risk of esophageal inflammation, cancer

Infants that are born preterm or with impaired growth have an increased risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), possibly leaving them vulnerable to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma later in ...

Health created Dec 11, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Upper endoscopy is overused in patients with heartburn

Heartburn is one of the most common reasons for people to see a doctor, and some physicians often use upper endoscopy to diagnose and manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But most patients do not require the procedure ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Dec 03, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of Barrett's Esophagus

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes may face an increased risk for Barrett's Esophagus (BE), regardless of other risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according ...

Diabetes created Oct 22, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0


Esophageal cancer (or oesophageal cancer) is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes, primarily squamous cell cancer (approx 90-95% of all esophageal cancer worldwide) and adenocarcinoma (approx. 50-80% of all esophageal cancer in the United States). Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line the upper part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular cells that are present at the junction of the esophagus and stomach.

Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms, and are diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated surgically with curative intent. Larger tumors tend not to be operable and hence are treated with palliative care; their growth can still be delayed with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of the two. In some cases chemo- and radiotherapy can render these larger tumors operable. Prognosis depends on the extent of the disease and other medical problems, but is fairly poor.

This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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