esophageal cancer | Esophageal Cancer: Key points

Esophageal Cancer: Key points

Cancer of the Esophagus
The esophagus is an organ that is part of the digestive tract. It is a long muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. The esophagus has the function of advancing food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach where they are digested.
There are two main types of esophageal cancers: squamous carcinomas (the most common) and adenocarcinomas.
The number of new cases (incidence) of esophageal cancers in France is estimated at about 4632 in 2012.
Esophageal cancer is associated with several risk factors. Tobacco, alcohol (or their association) and obesity are common risk factors for both types of cancer. For Adenocarcinomas, Barrett's esophagus is also another recognized risk factor. This disease is mainly associated with long-term gastro-esophageal reflux and obesity that promotes this ebb.

Discovery of Esophageal CANCER
In most cases, esophageal cancer is evoked in the following symptoms: a progressive and persistent dysphagia, an alteration of the general condition (loss of appetite, fatigue, slimming) or the occurrence of regurgitations, hiccups and Foul breath.
The diagnosis includes a clinical examination and endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach during which biopsies are performed. It is confirmed by the results of the anatomopathologic examination of cells or tissues taken from the esophagus.
Several imaging tests are used to assess the extent of the disease.

 The treatments
The choice of treatments is adapted to your situation and may be different depending on the type of esophageal cancer. It is discussed at a multidisciplinary consultation meeting (RCP) which brings together several doctors of different specialties (Hépatogastroentérologue, surgeon, oncologist, etc.). A report of the CPR and a copy of your personalized Care program (PPS) are forwarded to your attending physician.
For early cancers, endoscopic resection is the reference treatment.  Surgery is proposed if it is impossible to perform this procedure.
In localized cancers, the reference treatment is surgery. It consists of removing all or part of the esophagus (trans hiatal esophagectomy). A reconstruction surgery, usually with the help of the stomach, is practiced at the same time to restore the continuity of the digestive tract.
Sometimes chemotherapy associated with radiotherapy (called radiochemotherapy) alone or pre-operative chemotherapy (or neoadjuvant) may be proposed.
For locally advanced cancers, pre-operative radiochemotherapy is the usual treatment. It can be offered on its own in case of contraindication to surgery.
For metastatic cancers, chemotherapy alone is the reference treatment. It can help to slow down the development of the disease, to alleviate the symptoms (in particular to reduce pain) and to improve the quality of life.

Global support, followed during and after processing
The team that supports you is made up of professionals of different specialties: Hépatogastroentérologue, surgeon, medical oncologist, pathologist, dietician, nutritionist... These professionals work collaboratively within the health care facility in which you receive your treatments and in conjunction with your attending physician and local health professionals.
Your management is comprehensive and includes all the complementary care and supports you may need during and after treatments such as psychological support for you and your loved ones, monitoring nutritional status with weighing Regular or social accompaniment.
An assessment of your nutritional status is carried out before any treatment and throughout your support