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Esophagus Cancer
Posted by ,
26 September 2007
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36 views
Cancer of the esophagus is one of the very common malignancy found in Indian Population.
It is unfortunately detected late in stages because early symptoms are ignored.
Difficulty in swallowing is the commonest symptom. Initial difficulty is for solid food. Liquids and semisolid food is easily swallowed by the patient. Patient adjusts to suitable food stuff than getting the medical attention. Weight loss, loss of appetite are other common symptoms which are common occurance in many malignancies. Weight loss is very significant and easily noticed by friends and relatives. Cough during the meals is noticeable symptom suggestive of aspiration of foodstuff in respiratory tract.
Diagnosis is made by high degree of suspicion. Barium swallow is easily available investigation which shows level and type of esophageal obstruction. Endoscopy with biopsy is the next investigation of choice. After confirmation of diagnosis USG abdomen, EUS, and CT abdomen and thorax are done for investigational staging. Surgery can give Curative benefit in early stages. Japanese Studies have shown encouraging results as Disease is detected at very early stage and treated vigourously. Outside Japan disease presents in relatively later stage. Radiotherapy , chemotherapy Endoscopic stent placement are the other modalities used as supportive measures.
To achieve Best results in Indian Population large scale awareness programme related to early detection and Avoidance of tobacco chewing campaigns are necessary.
Dr. Shriniwas Deshpande MS
Consultant Surgeon
Samarth Gastroenterology
Pune, India
http://www.samarthgastroenterology.com
9960644561
It is unfortunately detected late in stages because early symptoms are ignored.
Difficulty in swallowing is the commonest symptom. Initial difficulty is for solid food. Liquids and semisolid food is easily swallowed by the patient. Patient adjusts to suitable food stuff than getting the medical attention. Weight loss, loss of appetite are other common symptoms which are common occurance in many malignancies. Weight loss is very significant and easily noticed by friends and relatives. Cough during the meals is noticeable symptom suggestive of aspiration of foodstuff in respiratory tract.
Diagnosis is made by high degree of suspicion. Barium swallow is easily available investigation which shows level and type of esophageal obstruction. Endoscopy with biopsy is the next investigation of choice. After confirmation of diagnosis USG abdomen, EUS, and CT abdomen and thorax are done for investigational staging. Surgery can give Curative benefit in early stages. Japanese Studies have shown encouraging results as Disease is detected at very early stage and treated vigourously. Outside Japan disease presents in relatively later stage. Radiotherapy , chemotherapy Endoscopic stent placement are the other modalities used as supportive measures.
To achieve Best results in Indian Population large scale awareness programme related to early detection and Avoidance of tobacco chewing campaigns are necessary.
Dr. Shriniwas Deshpande MS
Consultant Surgeon
Samarth Gastroenterology
Pune, India
http://www.samarthgastroenterology.com
9960644561
