Esophageal/Gastric Cancers

Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. It can develop in different parts of the esophagus and is classified mainly into two types:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: Begins in the flat cells lining the esophagus.
• Adenocarcinoma: Begins in the glandular cells of the esophagus, often related to Barrett's esophagus.

Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Coughing or hoarseness
• Vomiting, which may include blood
• Fatigue

Causes

• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Barrett's esophagus
• Obesity
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Certain genetic factors

Gastric (Stomach) Cancer

Gastric cancer occurs in the stomach lining. It can develop as a result of long-term inflammation or infection, particularly from the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating after meals
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Fatigue

Causes:

• Infection with Helicobacter pylori
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Obesity
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Diet high in salty and smoked foods
• Certain genetic syndromes (e.g., hereditary diffuse gastric cancer)

Esophageal Cancer Treatment:

• Surgery: To remove part or all of the esophagus (esophagectomy).
• Radiation therapy: Often used in combination with other treatments.
• Chemotherapy: Can be administered before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

Gastric Cancer Treatment:

• Surgery: Removal of the stomach or part of it (gastrectomy).
• Chemotherapy: Often used before surgery to reduce the tumor size or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
• Targeted therapy: For specific genetic mutations or characteristics.
• Immunotherapy: For certain types of gastric cancer.