Esophageal Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the esophagus or the food pipe. The esophagus is a tube-like structure that runs from the throat to the stomach. There are two main types of esophageal cancer, namely squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells that line the surface of the esophagus. It commonly occurs in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma develops in mucus-secreting glands that aid in swallowing and affect the lower section of the esophagus. Some common symptoms of esophageal cancer are chronic cough, indigestion, chest pain behind the breastbone, weight loss, and hoarseness. Various tests that aid in the assessment and diagnosis of esophageal cancer include computed tomography (CT), biopsy, esophagoscopy, and esophageal endoscopic ultrasound. The treatment options for esophageal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and endoscopic laser therapy. This book provides comprehensive insights on the prevention, diagnosis, and therapies releated to esophageal cancer. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of gastroenterology and hepatology, this book targets students and professionals.