Esophageal Cancer

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

Researchers use sugar to halt esophageal cancer in its tracks

Scientists working at the Medical Research Council have identified changes in the patterns of sugar molecules that line pre-cancerous cells in the esophagus, a condition called Barrett's dysplasia, making it much easier to ...

Cancer created Jan 15, 2012 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (5) | 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

Risk of esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett’s esophagus

(Medical Xpress) -- A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that the risk of patients with Barrett’s esophagus developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus are not as high as once originally though ...

Cancer created Oct 14, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast report

Ulcer-causing bacteria tamed by defect in cell-targeting ability

Without the ability to swim to their targets in the stomach, ulcer-causing bacteria do not cause the inflammation of the stomach lining that leads to ulcers and stomach cancer, according to a new study by researchers at the ...

Medical research created Nov 21, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

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

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

First evidence from humans on how alcohol may boost risk of cancer

Almost 30 years after discovery of a link between alcohol consumption and certain forms of cancer, scientists are reporting the first evidence from research on people explaining how the popular beverage may be carcinogenic. ...

Cancer created Aug 22, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Newly discovered plant-based molecules showing cancer-fighting potential

(Medical Xpress) -- To the casual observer, the wild tomatillo is just your everyday, run-of-the-mill weed.

Cancer created Mar 27, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

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

Study reveals origins of esophageal cancer

(Medical Xpress) -- Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) have identified the critical early cellular and molecular events that give rise to a type of esophageal cancer called esophageal ...

Cancer created Jan 17, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Effects of stopping alcohol consumption on subsequent risk of esophageal cancer

Cancer of the oesophagus is becoming more common in Europe and North America. Around 7,800 people in the UK are diagnosed each year. The exact causes of this cancer aren't fully understood. It appears to be more common in ...

Addiction created Sep 13, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

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

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


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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