Oesophageal cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the oesophagus, sometimes called the gullet or food pipe. The oesophagus connects your mouth to your stomach. How serious oesophageal cancer is depends on where it is in the oesophagus, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.
Risk factors to the disease include:
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Chronic heartburn or acid reflux
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- GERD
- Achalasia, a rare disorder of muscles in the lower oesophagus.
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Diagnosis
Digestive problems are often the first sign of oesophageal cancer, said John Hopkins Medicine.
The health site added: “Because of this, your gastroenterologist be the first doctor to suspect oesophageal cancer.
“Our gastroenterologists work collaboratively with our oesophageal cancer specialists, ensuring that you receive a thorough diagnostic evaluation.”