ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
Cancer of the esophagus is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the esophagus. The esophagus is the hollow tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of cancer of the esophagus is difficulty in swallowing. Pain may be felt while swallowing and also from behind the breastbone.
Causes
The most important causes of esophageal cancer are high intake of spicy foods, animal fats and smoking. Vitamin deficiency may also cause injury of esophageal lining and ultimately lead to cancer.
Diagnosis
Barium meal x-ray is the most common way to diagnose this cancer. A patient is made to drink a liquid containing barium, which makes the esophagus easier to see in the X-ray.
A doctor may also loom at the inside of the esophagus with a thin, lighted tube called esophagoscope. This test is called an esophagoscopy. If the tissue is abnormal, biopsy will be necessary.
Treatment
The chance of recovery and choice of treatment depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s general state of health. Medical treatments for esophageal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, surgery is the most common treatment for this cancer.
Natural Methods
Some Natural methods can be implied for managing pain and mitigating the symptoms and side effects of medical treatment. These include warm water enema, daily dry friction, cold sitz or hip bath, relaxation methods and meditation.
Ginger may be used to prevent or minimize nausea, a common complication of radiation treatment and chemotherapy.
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