Esophageal Cancer
The human body consists of millions of living cells. These cells grow, divide and die. This process goes on in our body without us even knowing it is happening. Our body is an amazing creation that scientist still can’t completely explain how and why all things happen. When our bodies are younger our cells divide faster which lends to our bodies growing. As we become older this process slows down and usually only divides to repair or replace old or injured cells. When cells begin to grow out of control this causes abnormal cell growth. The growth of these cells, start to take over other tissues, something that the normal cells can’t do. The growth and taking over the cells is what then begins the start of cancer cells. Depending on where this growth occurs depends on where the cancer begins to grow. The cells turn into cancer cells because the DNA becomes damaged. Usually when DNA is damaged our cells repair the damage, but with cancer these cells can longer be repaired and the cell is not able to die like it normally would. Then the damaged or sick cells start to grow and carry on the damaged DNA. This then begins the process of cancer.
It is not fully understood how and why these cells become damaged and cancer sets in. But what we do know is that the damage to the DNA is usually caused by mistakes that happen while the normal cell is reproducing or by a cause in our environment. Exposure to obvious things like smoking and alcohol are clearly risk factors to cancer. However not all types or cases of cancers can be linked to the environment or exposure to high risks. In the instance of esophageal cancer it is believed that their are certain risk factors that are common contributing factors in this disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, Scientists believe that some risk factors, such as the use of tobacco and alcohol, may cause esophageal cancer by damaging the DNA of cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Long-term irritation of the lining of the esophagus, as happens with acid reflux. This then leads to the problem of chronic acid reflux. From the acid reflux it begins the process of damaging the esophagus that can then lead to this often deadly form of cancer.
Understanding the function of the esophagus may help us better understand the severity of this type of cancer. The esophagus is a muscular tube about 8-10 inches in length and is lined with tissue called mucosa. This muscular tube is used in connecting the throat with the stomach. The location of the esophagus is directly behind the windpipe and heart, and in front of the spine. The function of the esophagus has a simple task, convey boluses of food from the pharynx to the stomach. After food moves through the laryngopharynx, it is rounded into the esophagus as the epiglottis closes off the larynx to incoming food. Better understanding the esophagus helps us understand what it is exposed to every time we put any type of food or drink in our mouth. Since it’s job is to be the first conduit the digestive tract, the esophagus is routinely exposed to rough and abrasive particles. Its surface is designed in being resistant to trauma. The esophagus is lined with stratified squamous epithelium and has no absorption with this organ.
Every esophageal cancer is different and requires an individualized approach. Early detection is key in fighting this disease. Many times according to the American Gastroenterological Society, individuals will not seek early detection and if they do they are typically diagnosed with GERD (acid reflux) because they dismiss their acid reflux or other symptoms as being a normal occurrence or related to their diet. To detect esophageal cancer an individual will typically need to have an upper endoscopy. This test will allow their doctor to see the inside of the esophagus and stomach. It is reported that this form of cancer is more likely to occur in middle age males than females.
As mentioned this is a disease that typically is found in middle age men. A case study completed and compiled by the “Journal of Medical Case Reports”, an interesting and uncommon case on a 27 year old female. This female had a brief battle with bulimia. Bulimia may represent a risk for this type of cancer. There have been reports that suggest
Chronic bulimia nervosa is a risk factor for the development of esophageal cancer. This patient also was a smoker. The above mentioned female presented with epigastria pain, reflux and fatigue. She was originally treated for acid reflux by her primary care physician. This is a common diagnosis that is masked under Esophageal Cancer and then remains untreated for a length of time. After her symptoms persisted the patient received an upper endoscopy which revealed a lesion. This patient elected to have surgery as well as chemo type treatments. After more testing a few months later, nodules were found in her gastric tract. After medication treatments and more chemotherapy, the patient had an endoscopy that showed no more problems with here esophagus. However there were other masses detected within her pelvis. This case study enforces the importance of early detection and proper diagnosing of esophageal cancer. Many times if this form of cancer can be treated earlier enough there is many ways of treating this cancer. This case study also shows that even if you do not meet the usual criteria for having this disease, you need to listen to your body and seek medical attention. Early detection can be the factor that determines your survival.

Works Cited

American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org /cancer/esophaguscancer, Written: December 10, 2012, Revised: January 18, 2013

American Gastroenterological Society, https://www.google.com/#q=american+society+gastroenterology+endoscopy

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2007, 1:160, doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-1-160, Shinohara, Eric T., Published: November 29, 2007