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Esophageal cancer, or food pipe cancer, occurs when cells in the esophagus grow uncontrollably. It is often hard to detect early, as symptoms usually appear once the cancer has spread. The two main types are Squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC), more common in developing countries, and Adenocarcinoma (EAC), more common in developed nations.
Treatment involves a team of specialists and may include lifestyle changes, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, depending on the cancer stage. The cost of treatment in India ranges from ₹1,68,000 to ₹3,43,000, varying by city and treatment type. Early detection and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for effective management and prevention.
Contents
What is Esophagus Cancer
Cancer happens when cells in the body grow out of control. It can start in any part of the body and spread to other areas. Esophageal cancer is one type that starts in the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. The esophagus is located behind the windpipe and in front of the spine.
There are two main types of esophageal cancer:
- Squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) – This type is more common in developing countries.
- Adenocarcinoma (EAC) – This type is more common in developed countries.
Ways to Lower the Risk of Esophageal Cancer:
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
- Eat a healthy diet full of vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, as well as green and yellow vegetables and fruits.
- Eat foods high in fiber, which may help prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- See a doctor regularly for early detection.
Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer:
- Squamous-cell carcinoma is mostly linked to smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
- Adenocarcinoma is often linked to long-term acid reflux (when stomach acid comes up into the esophagus).
- Tobacco use is a risk for both types.
- Esophageal cancer is more common in men and people over the age of 60.
Treatment of Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer treatment is most effective when managed by a team of specialists from various fields. Symptoms of this cancer typically don’t appear until it has already spread to over 60% of the esophagus, meaning it is often in an advanced stage by the time it’s diagnosed.
Lifestyle Adjustments: A key part of treatment is eliminating factors that may contribute to cancer. If you smoke or drink alcohol, it’s important to quit immediately to prevent further damage. Additionally, making dietary changes, such as increasing fiber intake, can help ease the impact of cancer and support recovery.
Medications: For cancer that is advanced, recurrent, or spread to other areas, treatment may focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Chemotherapy can be used to prolong survival, while other treatments like radiation therapy or stenting may help relieve symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing.
Surgery: The type of surgery depends on how far the cancer has spread. If the cancer is still localized and hasn’t spread to other organs, surgery is often the preferred treatment. The surgeon will remove the cancerous tissue, and if tests show the surrounding tissues are clear, the outlook is typically favorable. Chemotherapy may follow surgery to lower the risk of the cancer returning.
Cost of Esophageal Cancer Treatment
| City | Estimated Cost Range (INR) |
| Delhi | ₹2,06,000 – ₹3,43,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,96,000 – ₹3,28,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,87,000 – ₹3,12,000 |
| Chennai | ₹1,68,000 – ₹2,81,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,78,000 – ₹2,96,000 |
| Pune | ₹1,68,000 – ₹2,81,000 |
| Gurgaon | ₹2,06,000 – ₹3,43,000 |
| Noida | ₹2,06,000 – ₹3,43,000 |
| Faridabad | ₹1,87,000 – ₹3,12,000 |
| Ghaziabad | ₹1,87,000 – ₹3,12,000 |
Conclusion
Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that is often diagnosed late, making timely treatment crucial. With early detection, lifestyle changes, and a team of specialists, the disease can be managed effectively. Regular checkups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding risk factors like smoking and alcohol can help reduce the chances of developing this cancer. Working with a medical team ensures personalized care and improves the chances of a positive outcome.
