Esophageal Malignancy
Esophageal malignancy refers to cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. This serious condition often presents with difficulty swallowing and is typically diagnosed at advanced stages, making early detection through imaging crucial for treatment planning and outcomes.
What is it?
Esophageal malignancy is cancer that originates in the tissues of the esophagus, the hollow tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. There are two primary types: squamous cell carcinoma, which typically develops in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus from the flat cells lining the organ, and adenocarcinoma, which usually forms in the lower esophagus from glandular cells and is often associated with chronic acid reflux and Barrett’s esophagus.
Risk factors for esophageal cancer include chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, and dietary factors. The disease is more common in men than women and typically affects individuals over age 55. Unfortunately, esophageal cancer often remains asymptomatic in early stages, with most patients experiencing symptoms only after the tumor has grown significantly or spread to nearby structures.
Important to Know
Early detection of esophageal malignancy significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. CT imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning by evaluating tumor size, local invasion, lymph node involvement, and distant metastases. Symptoms requiring immediate medical evaluation include progressive difficulty swallowing (starting with solids and advancing to liquids), unintentional weight loss, persistent chest pain or pressure, chronic cough or hoarseness, and vomiting blood. If caught early, treatment options may include minimally invasive surgical techniques, targeted therapies, and multimodal approaches combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy tailored to the specific type and stage of cancer.