The top ten most common cancers worldwide include esophageal cancer. In addition to malignant tumors, benign neoplasms can also develop in the esophagus, which, however, often degenerate into cancer. Oncologists and gastroenterologists in clinics in Israel use the most modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including preventive therapy of benign tumors, which leads to high chances of complete recovery.
Risk factors
The main risk factor for esophageal cancer is its constant irritation, as well as chemical, thermal or mechanical injury.
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. For this reason, according to Israeli oncologists, men are more likely to suffer from esophageal cancer.
- Barrett’s syndrome (gastroesophageal reflux) – the reverse release of food from the stomach into the esophagus with constant irritation of its mucous membranes by gastric juice.
- Chemical burn caused by accidental ingestion of aggressive substances, such as highly alkaline or acidic detergents.
- Frequent consumption of very hot drinks and spicy food is an indirect risk factor, which generally leads to permanent injury to esophageal tissues, which can later provoke the development of cancer.
Achalasia, or abnormal emptying of the esophagus, is another common cause of cancer on the walls of the esophagus.
Symptoms of esophageal cancer
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Sore throat and chest.
- Cough in the absence of acute respiratory infections and respiratory problems.
- Gratuitous drastic weight loss.
The ability of the esophagus to stretch significantly leads to the fact that the patient does not feel much discomfort, even when the tumor exceeds half the diameter of the lumen.
Diagnostics
There are two types of esophageal cancer– adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In Europe and North America, adenocarcinoma is overwhelmingly common. Alcoholics and smokers are more likely to suffer from squamous cell carcinoma.
Comprehensive laboratory tests and imaging examinations are performed in Israeli clinics to form a complete picture of cancer and make a collective choice of the most effective and safe therapeutic course.
- Laboratory blood tests (CBC, biochemistry, cancer markers, squamous cell carcinoma antigen).
- Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography (CT, MRI, and PET) with three-dimensional visualization of the esophagus.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (US) with the introduction of an ultrasound sensor into the esophagus.
- Tissue biopsy.
- Gastroscopy.
Treatment of esophageal cancer in Israel
One of the most effective methods of treating this type of cancer is surgery (resection of the part of the organ affected by the tumor), followed by modeling the removed area of the esophagus and restoring its functions.
- More than 80% of all operations to remove malignant neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract are performed in Israeli clinics using minimally invasive surgery-laparoscopic resection of the affected part of the esophagus through the abdominal cavity, chest or neck, depending on the location of the tumor.
- Targeted treatment – special drugs that affect only cancer cells, leaving healthy tissues intact.
- Radiation therapy.
- Gentle chemotherapy with a new generation of drugs is prescribed by Israeli oncologists for the treatment of esophageal cancer, mainly at the metastatic stage.
Methods of treatment of esophageal cancer can be combined and complementary for maximum effect. Full rehabilitation is just as important for a full recovery, and all conditions for this are present in Israel.