Cancer in food pipe - Causes of cancer in food pipe.
Food pipe cancer or esophageal cancer is a deadly type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus. The esophagus (long, hollow muscular tube) carries food and fluids from the throat or pharynx to the stomach in the human body. Food pipe cancer, or esophageal cancer, develops in the cells lining the esophagus and slowly grows into an invasive disease that interferes with normal esophageal function.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer or food pipe cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells that form the inner lining of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma cancer cases are common throughout the world.Food pipe cancer, or adenocarcinoma, another type of food pipe cancer, develops in glandular cells at the bottom of the esophagus. This type of cancer is thought to be related to Barrett's esophagus (changes in certain cells in the lining of the food pipe), and is usually caused by chronic acid reflux (stomach bile coming back into the food pipe).
In India, cases of food pipe cancer or alimentary canal cancer can be found mostly in the northeastern states. If we discuss the reason for this geographical disparity, then different lifestyle and dietary factors among the population groups in different regions in India may be the reason for it.
Symptoms of food pipe cancer (food pipe cancer symptoms)
Food pipe cancer symptoms are often not detected in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms of food pipe cancer or cancer of the esophagus may appear. Some common esophageal cancer symptoms are as follows:
1. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Difficulty swallowing is one of the symptoms of food pipe cancer or cancer in the esophagus, and it can be the primary symptom. In the early stages, mild discomfort may be experienced while swallowing, but as the tumor grows, the function of the esophagus may be disrupted, making it difficult to swallow even liquids. Dysphagia, the reduction in the amount of food being taken into the stomach, can lead to malnutrition and weight loss.
2. Unexplained weight loss: Difficulty in swallowing and eating less can lead to weight loss. Rapid weight loss without any reason is one of the symptoms of food pipe cancer or symptoms of cancer in the food pipe.
3. Feeling pain, pressure or burning sensation in the chest: Experiencing pain or discomfort in the chest can be a symptom of food pipe cancer or a symptom of cancer in the esophagus. In food pipe cancer, there can be mild pain in the chest, and this pain can also take a severe form. Apart from this, pain can be experienced during swallowing and even after lying down in this cancer.
4. Indigestion or heartburn: Persistent indigestion or heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can be a symptom of food pipe cancer or cancer of the esophagus. Additionally, in this disease, the patient may experience a burning sensation in the chest, as well as belching and hiccups or the urge to vomit.
5. Persistent cough or voice changes: Persistent cough, sometimes with blood in the sputum, and voice changes or hoarseness can be symptoms of advanced food pipe cancer affecting the laryngeal nerves.
Food pipe cancer prevention
Quitting tobacco and alcohol consumption, including fruits and vegetables in the diet, avoiding obesity, exercising regularly, can reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer. can be reduced to a great extent. Regular screening for Barrett esophagus may prove beneficial for individuals with chronic GERD.