May 28, 2025 • 14 mins
Esophageal Cancer: What causes it? What are the symptoms? How do we treat it? In this episode, we will explore the history of esophageal cancer, the current diagnosis methods, and we also go over the most common kinds of esophageal cancer. Tune in to learn more!
Check out our website: https://anatomyofillness.com/
Or pick up some stylish merch: https://merchanatomy.com/
Support us on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/anatomyofix
Resources:
Esophageal cancer action network (US): https://ecan.org/
Heartburn cancer UK: https://heartburncanceruk.org/
Mark Grundy Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Group Inc. (AUS): https://www.ocagi.org/
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356084
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28952239/
https://www.jbuon.com/archive/22-4-1088.pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356090
*This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you suspect you have a medical condition, please seek out an opinion of a medical professional.*
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Lately, your heartburn has gotten worse
(00:02):
and you have noticed that you have started
to have difficulty with swallowing food.
You brush it off as you blame the sore throat
and chest pain you have had recently,
which you talked up to the cold that has been going around.
As you get ready for work,
you notice your clothes are looser than before
with your belt closing on the tightest hole.
You bring it up to your wife,
who encourages you to make a doctor's appointment.
(00:22):
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
Hello and Welcome to Anatomy Of Illness.
Today's episode is about esophageal cancer.
Before we get into the condition,
(00:42):
we are going to start with the history.
So why do we know esophageal cancer exists?
We begin more than 2,000 years ago in ancient China.
This is where esophageal cancer
seems to have been recognised as its own disease.
Here, it was recognised
as having a generally poor prognosis.
Those that had it were not expected
to live long, with one text stating,
"Those discovered to suffer in autumn
(01:03):
will not live through the next summer."
Moving on to Galen in the second century CE.
He would discuss a disease that caused cachexia,
which is essentially wasting away, and death.
He found this to be caused by fleshy growths
that would partially or completely obstruct the esophagus.
In the 11th century,
Avicenna in his causes of dysphagia,
which is difficulty swallowing,
(01:24):
would include tumours of the esophagus.
These tumours in the Arab population
at the time were suggested to be caused by several things,
such as drinking very hot beverages, like very hot tea,
consuming the leftovers from opium pipes,
as well as having a diet
without many fruits and vegetables.
In the 12th century, we would have Avenzoar.
He was also a well-known figure
(01:45):
in the world of Arab medicine,
especially for his work on cancer.
In his book, "Al-Taysir," meaning the book of facilitation,
he discussed much about esophageal cancer.
In this, he described the symptoms
as “beginning with mild pain and difficulty swallowing.”
As part of managing the condition,
he would suggest inserting a silver cannula
into the esophagus for pouring liquids down it.
(02:07):
He also had some interesting beliefs about the stomach,
which also informed his treatment process.
He believed that the stomach had powers of attraction,
able to draw nourishment upwards from any part of the bowels,
so any part of the intestines, large and small.
So for this, he would suggest using enemas
for rectal feeding in these patients.
In these enemas, he would suggest
(02:28):
having a mixture of eggs, milk, and gruel.
Please don't go putting stuff up your butt
unless your doctor tells you to.
It can seriously mess with your sphincter’s
ability to hold stuff in, or it can get stuck up there,
so leave your butt alone.
But anyway, moving on.
We are now in the era of the Renaissance.
I'm sure you can see da Vinci and Michelangelo
(02:48):
painting and sculpting over there,
but we are not here for them, not today anyway.
Otherwise, get your own time machine.
We are here to meet Jean Fernel.
Fernel, who lived between 1497 to 1558,
would publish the book
“De Morbis Universalibus et Particularibus”.
In this, he would document the case of a woman
who died due to a hard mass in her esophagus.
(03:10):
A few years after Fernell's book was published,
along would come the Dutch anatomist,
Volcher Coiter, with his own account.
He would discuss the case of a woman
who for eight years struggled with dysphagia,
which is difficulty swallowing, before passing away.
On autopsy, he found a large mass
in the lower part of her esophagus.
This was obstructing her esophagus,
(03:30):
so blocking her food pipe,
as that's sometimes what the esophagus is called.
Now we move on to British physician, John Casaubon,
who lived between 1637 to 1693.
This account was from his own personal diary,
specifically the last entry,
as this was a description of his own personal experience.
Yes.
This was him documenting his own fatal run in
(03:52):
with esophageal cancer.
“At dinner, I was almost choked
by swallowing a bit of roasted sirloin mutton,
which as I thought, stuck in the passage
about the mouth of the stomach.
But it suffered nothing to go down,
and the stomach threw all up.
Though never so small in quantity and unusual affliction,
which my melancholy suggested it an extraordinary judgment,
(04:13):
I grew as lean as a skeleton,
and at times, very faint and feeble.
Although I recovered in some measure,
and had stomach to eat,
my meat doeth no great good,
and I am in some kind of atrophy.”
Now moving on to Theophile Bonnet,
who lived between 1620 to 1689.
He would document several cases of these esophageal growths
(04:33):
that would lead to obstructions, eventually causing death.
After this, in 1868,
this is where Adolf Kussmaul
would perform the first esophagoscopy.
This was using a modified cystoscope,
so a camera that was invented for the urinary tract.
He tested this device successfully
with the help of a sword-swallower.
They managed to get this device
(04:53):
all the way into the stomach.
In 1877, Vincenz Czerny,
who also happened to be the son-in-law of Adolf Kussmaul,
was the first to successfully surgically remove
an esophageal cancer.
However, a year later, the cancer would recur.
This was a complicated surgery,
and she was able to feed herself through a hole in the skin
that was connected to the esophagus.
(05:14):
Considering at this time,
several things in today's treatment were missing,
this was considered a success.
As there were not any pre-operation imagings,
there was no anesthesia,
and there was not any access to antibiotics,
nor was there any access to blood transfusions.
So the fact she survived was kind of a miracle.
In 1913, surgeon Franz Torek
(05:34):
would perform the first successful thoracic esophagectomy.
This was in a 67-year-old woman
who had been suffering from squamous cell carcinoma
in her esophagus.
This caused her to have weight loss and dysphagia.
After this surgery, she lived for another 12 years,
passing away from pneumonia, not from esophageal cancer.
If you've been enjoying this episode,
make sure to share it with a friend.
(05:54):
It helps us grow and it helps us continue.
What are the types of esophageal cancer?
When it comes to esophageal cancer,
there are two main types.
However, there are also some rarer forms.
The two most common forms of esophageal cancer
are adenocarcinoma.
This kind of cancer occurs in the glands of the esophagus.
These glands produce the mucus inside of the esophagus.
This form of cancer most often happens
(06:17):
in the lower part of the esophagus.
This form is more commonly seen in white men.
However, anyone can get this form.
It's not an exclusive club.
Squamous cell carcinoma.
This is the most common form of esophageal cancer.
This type of cancer occurs in the flat, thin cells
that make up the lining of the esophagus.
This cancer normally occurs in the upper
and middle parts of the esophagus.
(06:38):
The rarer types include choriocarcinoma, lymphoma, melanoma,
which we covered in episode 40.
Yes, you can get that in your esophagus.
Sarcoma and small cell carcinoma.
What causes esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer, like all cancers,
is caused by a change in the DNA of the cells in that area.
In this case, the cells are of the esophagus.
(06:58):
In these cells, the DNA changes tell them
to grow more rapidly and make more cells.
These cells multiply to form a mass known as a tumour.
What are the risk factors when it comes to esophageal cancer?
When it comes to the risk factors for esophageal cancer,
it is about habits and medical conditions
that cause irritation of the esophagus.
These promote changes that can cause these cancers.
(07:19):
These risk factors include
a habit of drinking very hot liquids.
I'm not talking about you drank a tea
that was a little too hot on a Tuesday afternoon
back in 2023, no.
I am talking this is an occurrence on most days.
Drinking alcohol.
Again, this is when it is a frequent behaviour,
not just trying the wine once at your aunt's.
Smoking, not eating enough fruits and vegetables,
(07:42):
obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
You may also know this one as GERD or GORD,
depending on how you spell esophagus in your country.
Barrett's esophagus.
This is where there are precancerous changes
to the cell of the esophagus.
Achalasia.
This is difficulty in swallowing
due to the muscles in the esophagus not relaxing.
Previous radiation treatment to the upper abdomen or chest.
(08:03):
So how do we diagnose esophageal cancer?
There are several tests that can be done
to diagnose esophageal cancer.
These include barium swallow study.
This is where you'll be given a white liquid to drink.
This is barium.
This will coat the surface of the esophagus,
which makes it easier to see
if there is anything abnormal on x-ray,
which after drinking this,
x-rays will be taken to see if everything looks normal.
(08:24):
Upper endoscopy.
This is where a doctor will run a thin flexible camera
down the throat and into the esophagus.
This is to look for any signs of cancer
or anything that looks a bit funky.
During this, a doctor may take a biopsy or several biopsies.
This is a sample taken of the area of concern.
So if they find any potential tumours
or something they don't like the look of.
(08:44):
This will be sent back to a lab to determine
if there are any cancerous or precancerous cells.
After these tests have been run,
if there is anything that is deemed cancerous,
there will be tests run to determine
what stage of cancer it is.
This will normally include imaging tests like MRIs,
CT scans, and even ultrasounds.
However, what is used will depend on this specific case
(09:05):
and anything that you may have preventing,
for example, MRIs, you can't have a metal hip.
Sorry to break the news to you.
We'll get right into the symptoms and presentation
right after this little break.
(upbeat music)
If you have been enjoying this episode,
(09:29):
don't forget to check us out on Buy Me a Coffee.
It helps us continue.
What symptoms might you have if you had esophageal cancer?
When it comes to esophageal cancer,
in the early stages, it does not always cause symptoms.
Normally, as the cancer starts to progress,
symptoms become more apparent.
The symptoms you may have
if you have this form of cancer include
difficulty with swallowing,
a worsening of indigestion or heartburn.
(09:49):
You may also have a feeling of chest pain,
pressure, or burning.
Coughing or hoarseness is another symptom,
and you may also experience weight loss without trying.
What complications should a doctor be aware of
when it comes to esophageal cancer?
Things a doctor should be aware of
when it comes to this condition
includes esophageal blockages.
Due to the size of the cancer,
there may be difficulty when it comes to allowing food
(10:10):
and fluids to pass through the esophagus.
The tumor can actually block the entirety of the pipe
or just, you know, obstruct it,
so it's a very small passage.
Bleeding into the esophagus.
Esophageal cancer can cause bleeding.
However, on most occasions,
this bleeding is minor and just gradual.
Other times, this bleeding can be sudden and severe.
Pain.
In advanced cases, esophageal cancer can cause pain.
(10:33):
How do we treat esophageal cancer?
There are several methods that can be used
to treat esophageal cancer.
The specific treatment will depend on the type of cancer
and also the stage of cancer.
Some of the treatment options
for this form of cancer include surgery.
There are two main options when it comes to surgery.
These are removing the cancer from the esophagus,
so this surgery just removes the tumor,
(10:53):
and some of the healthy tissue around it
to make sure that the cancer is completely removed.
This is done if the cancer is small
and has not spread at all.
This is done through an endoscopy,
so the camera that goes down the throat,
along with some surgical tools.
There is also another type of surgery.
This is called an esophagectomy.
This kind of surgery removes the part of the esophagus
where the cancer is.
It also removes lymph nodes in the area
(11:14):
to check for cancer spreading.
The remaining esophagus is then connected with the stomach.
In some cases, the top part of the stomach is also removed.
This is called an esophagogastrectomy.
There are also other treatment options
that may be used when it comes to esophageal cancer.
These include chemotherapy.
This treatment is normally done before surgery.
However, in cases where the cancer is too advanced
(11:35):
to operate, this may be given as an attempt
to help with symptoms.
Radiation therapy.
This can be used in combination with chemotherapy
and can be used to help treat complications
of advanced esophageal cancer,
like if the tumour has grown large enough
to stop food passing through.
There is also targeted drug therapies.
These medications block certain chemicals
on the cancer cells, causing the cancer cells to die.
(11:56):
However, these are only available for cancers
that have specific DNA changes,
so the cancer cells must be tested for these changes.
Immunotherapy.
This type of treatment trains your immune system
to recognise and attack the cancer cells.
This treatment can be used before or after surgery
for advanced cancers that cannot be surgically treated
or for cancers that have come back after previous treatment.
(12:18):
So this treatment provides a lot of options for people.
Are there any famous people who have
or have had esophageal cancer?
There is Noddy Holder.
He was the lead vocalist and guitarist
for the English rock band Slade from the '70s.
He had esophageal cancer.
He was initially given six months to live
when he was diagnosed.
However, he was offered some experimental treatments.
(12:39):
Five years later in 2023, he was, according to his wife,
looking good and feeling great.
For those who would like to check out a foundation,
there is, for those in America,
the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.
Their goal is to raise awareness about esophageal cancer,
including its links with heartburn.
They also aim to promote early detection
of esophageal cancer and to support medical innovation
(13:00):
in hopes to prevent, detect, treat, and cure
esophageal cancer.
For those in the UK, there is Heartburn Cancer UK.
They aim to raise awareness
about the risks associated with heartburn.
They collaborate with researchers
and healthcare professionals to increase research
into esophageal cancer and provide support
to those living with esophageal cancer,
Barrett's esophagus, and heartburn.
And for those in Australia,
(13:21):
there is the Mark Grundy Oesophageal Cancer
Awareness Group, Inc.
They aim to provide information and support
for those who are experiencing esophageal cancer.
If you want to check out the sources,
social media links, or any other links,
you can head to anatomyofillness.com.
If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more,
make sure you're subscribed to be notified
about our latest episodes.
If you'd like to join our community,
you can join us on Discord or Instagram.
(13:42):
Otherwise, stick around for the next episode.
(upbeat music)
Did you know food doesn't just slide down your esophagus?
There's actually a process called peristalsis
(14:03):
that helps food move down to your stomach.
It is waves of muscle contractions
that help the food travel downward.
Lately, your heartburn has gotten worse
(00:02):
and you have noticed that you have started
to have difficulty with swallowing food.
You brush it off as you blame the sore throat
and chest pain you have had recently,
which you talked up to the cold that has been going around.
As you get ready for work,
you notice your clothes are looser than before
with your belt closing on the tightest hole.
You bring it up to your wife,
who encourages you to make a doctor's appointment.
(00:22):
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
Hello and Welcome to Anatomy Of Illness.
Today's episode is about esophageal cancer.
Before we get into the condition,
(00:42):
we are going to start with the history.
So why do we know esophageal cancer exists?
We begin more than 2,000 years ago in ancient China.
This is where esophageal cancer
seems to have been recognised as its own disease.
Here, it was recognised
as having a generally poor prognosis.
Those that had it were not expected
to live long, with one text stating,
"Those discovered to suffer in autumn
(01:03):
will not live through the next summer."
Moving on to Galen in the second century CE.
He would discuss a disease that caused cachexia,
which is essentially wasting away, and death.
He found this to be caused by fleshy growths
that would partially or completely obstruct the esophagus.
In the 11th century,
Avicenna in his causes of dysphagia,
which is difficulty swallowing,
(01:24):
would include tumours of the esophagus.
These tumours in the Arab population
at the time were suggested to be caused by several things,
such as drinking very hot beverages, like very hot tea,
consuming the leftovers from opium pipes,
as well as having a diet
without many fruits and vegetables.
In the 12th century, we would have Avenzoar.
He was also a well-known figure
(01:45):
in the world of Arab medicine,
especially for his work on cancer.
In his book, "Al-Taysir," meaning the book of facilitation,
he discussed much about esophageal cancer.
In this, he described the symptoms
as “beginning with mild pain and difficulty swallowing.”
As part of managing the condition,
he would suggest inserting a silver cannula
into the esophagus for pouring liquids down it.
(02:07):
He also had some interesting beliefs about the stomach,
which also informed his treatment process.
He believed that the stomach had powers of attraction,
able to draw nourishment upwards from any part of the bowels,
so any part of the intestines, large and small.
So for this, he would suggest using enemas
for rectal feeding in these patients.
In these enemas, he would suggest
(02:28):
having a mixture of eggs, milk, and gruel.
Please don't go putting stuff up your butt
unless your doctor tells you to.
It can seriously mess with your sphincter’s
ability to hold stuff in, or it can get stuck up there,
so leave your butt alone.
But anyway, moving on.
We are now in the era of the Renaissance.
I'm sure you can see da Vinci and Michelangelo
(02:48):
painting and sculpting over there,
but we are not here for them, not today anyway.
Otherwise, get your own time machine.
We are here to meet Jean Fernel.
Fernel, who lived between 1497 to 1558,
would publish the book
“De Morbis Universalibus et Particularibus”.
In this, he would document the case of a woman
who died due to a hard mass in her esophagus.
(03:10):
A few years after Fernell's book was published,
along would come the Dutch anatomist,
Volcher Coiter, with his own account.
He would discuss the case of a woman
who for eight years struggled with dysphagia,
which is difficulty swallowing, before passing away.
On autopsy, he found a large mass
in the lower part of her esophagus.
This was obstructing her esophagus,
(03:30):
so blocking her food pipe,
as that's sometimes what the esophagus is called.
Now we move on to British physician, John Casaubon,
who lived between 1637 to 1693.
This account was from his own personal diary,
specifically the last entry,
as this was a description of his own personal experience.
Yes.
This was him documenting his own fatal run in
(03:52):
with esophageal cancer.
“At dinner, I was almost choked
by swallowing a bit of roasted sirloin mutton,
which as I thought, stuck in the passage
about the mouth of the stomach.
But it suffered nothing to go down,
and the stomach threw all up.
Though never so small in quantity and unusual affliction,
which my melancholy suggested it an extraordinary judgment,
(04:13):
I grew as lean as a skeleton,
and at times, very faint and feeble.
Although I recovered in some measure,
and had stomach to eat,
my meat doeth no great good,
and I am in some kind of atrophy.”
Now moving on to Theophile Bonnet,
who lived between 1620 to 1689.
He would document several cases of these esophageal growths
(04:33):
that would lead to obstructions, eventually causing death.
After this, in 1868,
this is where Adolf Kussmaul
would perform the first esophagoscopy.
This was using a modified cystoscope,
so a camera that was invented for the urinary tract.
He tested this device successfully
with the help of a sword-swallower.
They managed to get this device
(04:53):
all the way into the stomach.
In 1877, Vincenz Czerny,
who also happened to be the son-in-law of Adolf Kussmaul,
was the first to successfully surgically remove
an esophageal cancer.
However, a year later, the cancer would recur.
This was a complicated surgery,
and she was able to feed herself through a hole in the skin
that was connected to the esophagus.
(05:14):
Considering at this time,
several things in today's treatment were missing,
this was considered a success.
As there were not any pre-operation imagings,
there was no anesthesia,
and there was not any access to antibiotics,
nor was there any access to blood transfusions.
So the fact she survived was kind of a miracle.
In 1913, surgeon Franz Torek
(05:34):
would perform the first successful thoracic esophagectomy.
This was in a 67-year-old woman
who had been suffering from squamous cell carcinoma
in her esophagus.
This caused her to have weight loss and dysphagia.
After this surgery, she lived for another 12 years,
passing away from pneumonia, not from esophageal cancer.
If you've been enjoying this episode,
make sure to share it with a friend.
(05:54):
It helps us grow and it helps us continue.
What are the types of esophageal cancer?
When it comes to esophageal cancer,
there are two main types.
However, there are also some rarer forms.
The two most common forms of esophageal cancer
are adenocarcinoma.
This kind of cancer occurs in the glands of the esophagus.
These glands produce the mucus inside of the esophagus.
This form of cancer most often happens
(06:17):
in the lower part of the esophagus.
This form is more commonly seen in white men.
However, anyone can get this form.
It's not an exclusive club.
Squamous cell carcinoma.
This is the most common form of esophageal cancer.
This type of cancer occurs in the flat, thin cells
that make up the lining of the esophagus.
This cancer normally occurs in the upper
and middle parts of the esophagus.
(06:38):
The rarer types include choriocarcinoma, lymphoma, melanoma,
which we covered in episode 40.
Yes, you can get that in your esophagus.
Sarcoma and small cell carcinoma.
What causes esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer, like all cancers,
is caused by a change in the DNA of the cells in that area.
In this case, the cells are of the esophagus.
(06:58):
In these cells, the DNA changes tell them
to grow more rapidly and make more cells.
These cells multiply to form a mass known as a tumour.
What are the risk factors when it comes to esophageal cancer?
When it comes to the risk factors for esophageal cancer,
it is about habits and medical conditions
that cause irritation of the esophagus.
These promote changes that can cause these cancers.
(07:19):
These risk factors include
a habit of drinking very hot liquids.
I'm not talking about you drank a tea
that was a little too hot on a Tuesday afternoon
back in 2023, no.
I am talking this is an occurrence on most days.
Drinking alcohol.
Again, this is when it is a frequent behaviour,
not just trying the wine once at your aunt's.
Smoking, not eating enough fruits and vegetables,
(07:42):
obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
You may also know this one as GERD or GORD,
depending on how you spell esophagus in your country.
Barrett's esophagus.
This is where there are precancerous changes
to the cell of the esophagus.
Achalasia.
This is difficulty in swallowing
due to the muscles in the esophagus not relaxing.
Previous radiation treatment to the upper abdomen or chest.
(08:03):
So how do we diagnose esophageal cancer?
There are several tests that can be done
to diagnose esophageal cancer.
These include barium swallow study.
This is where you'll be given a white liquid to drink.
This is barium.
This will coat the surface of the esophagus,
which makes it easier to see
if there is anything abnormal on x-ray,
which after drinking this,
x-rays will be taken to see if everything looks normal.
(08:24):
Upper endoscopy.
This is where a doctor will run a thin flexible camera
down the throat and into the esophagus.
This is to look for any signs of cancer
or anything that looks a bit funky.
During this, a doctor may take a biopsy or several biopsies.
This is a sample taken of the area of concern.
So if they find any potential tumours
or something they don't like the look of.
(08:44):
This will be sent back to a lab to determine
if there are any cancerous or precancerous cells.
After these tests have been run,
if there is anything that is deemed cancerous,
there will be tests run to determine
what stage of cancer it is.
This will normally include imaging tests like MRIs,
CT scans, and even ultrasounds.
However, what is used will depend on this specific case
(09:05):
and anything that you may have preventing,
for example, MRIs, you can't have a metal hip.
Sorry to break the news to you.
We'll get right into the symptoms and presentation
right after this little break.
(upbeat music)
If you have been enjoying this episode,
(09:29):
don't forget to check us out on Buy Me a Coffee.
It helps us continue.
What symptoms might you have if you had esophageal cancer?
When it comes to esophageal cancer,
in the early stages, it does not always cause symptoms.
Normally, as the cancer starts to progress,
symptoms become more apparent.
The symptoms you may have
if you have this form of cancer include
difficulty with swallowing,
a worsening of indigestion or heartburn.
(09:49):
You may also have a feeling of chest pain,
pressure, or burning.
Coughing or hoarseness is another symptom,
and you may also experience weight loss without trying.
What complications should a doctor be aware of
when it comes to esophageal cancer?
Things a doctor should be aware of
when it comes to this condition
includes esophageal blockages.
Due to the size of the cancer,
there may be difficulty when it comes to allowing food
(10:10):
and fluids to pass through the esophagus.
The tumor can actually block the entirety of the pipe
or just, you know, obstruct it,
so it's a very small passage.
Bleeding into the esophagus.
Esophageal cancer can cause bleeding.
However, on most occasions,
this bleeding is minor and just gradual.
Other times, this bleeding can be sudden and severe.
Pain.
In advanced cases, esophageal cancer can cause pain.
(10:33):
How do we treat esophageal cancer?
There are several methods that can be used
to treat esophageal cancer.
The specific treatment will depend on the type of cancer
and also the stage of cancer.
Some of the treatment options
for this form of cancer include surgery.
There are two main options when it comes to surgery.
These are removing the cancer from the esophagus,
so this surgery just removes the tumor,
(10:53):
and some of the healthy tissue around it
to make sure that the cancer is completely removed.
This is done if the cancer is small
and has not spread at all.
This is done through an endoscopy,
so the camera that goes down the throat,
along with some surgical tools.
There is also another type of surgery.
This is called an esophagectomy.
This kind of surgery removes the part of the esophagus
where the cancer is.
It also removes lymph nodes in the area
(11:14):
to check for cancer spreading.
The remaining esophagus is then connected with the stomach.
In some cases, the top part of the stomach is also removed.
This is called an esophagogastrectomy.
There are also other treatment options
that may be used when it comes to esophageal cancer.
These include chemotherapy.
This treatment is normally done before surgery.
However, in cases where the cancer is too advanced
(11:35):
to operate, this may be given as an attempt
to help with symptoms.
Radiation therapy.
This can be used in combination with chemotherapy
and can be used to help treat complications
of advanced esophageal cancer,
like if the tumour has grown large enough
to stop food passing through.
There is also targeted drug therapies.
These medications block certain chemicals
on the cancer cells, causing the cancer cells to die.
(11:56):
However, these are only available for cancers
that have specific DNA changes,
so the cancer cells must be tested for these changes.
Immunotherapy.
This type of treatment trains your immune system
to recognise and attack the cancer cells.
This treatment can be used before or after surgery
for advanced cancers that cannot be surgically treated
or for cancers that have come back after previous treatment.
(12:18):
So this treatment provides a lot of options for people.
Are there any famous people who have
or have had esophageal cancer?
There is Noddy Holder.
He was the lead vocalist and guitarist
for the English rock band Slade from the '70s.
He had esophageal cancer.
He was initially given six months to live
when he was diagnosed.
However, he was offered some experimental treatments.
(12:39):
Five years later in 2023, he was, according to his wife,
looking good and feeling great.
For those who would like to check out a foundation,
there is, for those in America,
the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.
Their goal is to raise awareness about esophageal cancer,
including its links with heartburn.
They also aim to promote early detection
of esophageal cancer and to support medical innovation
(13:00):
in hopes to prevent, detect, treat, and cure
esophageal cancer.
For those in the UK, there is Heartburn Cancer UK.
They aim to raise awareness
about the risks associated with heartburn.
They collaborate with researchers
and healthcare professionals to increase research
into esophageal cancer and provide support
to those living with esophageal cancer,
Barrett's esophagus, and heartburn.
And for those in Australia,
(13:21):
there is the Mark Grundy Oesophageal Cancer
Awareness Group, Inc.
They aim to provide information and support
for those who are experiencing esophageal cancer.
If you want to check out the sources,
social media links, or any other links,
you can head to anatomyofillness.com.
If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more,
make sure you're subscribed to be notified
about our latest episodes.
If you'd like to join our community,
you can join us on Discord or Instagram.
(13:42):
Otherwise, stick around for the next episode.
(upbeat music)
Did you know food doesn't just slide down your esophagus?
There's actually a process called peristalsis
(14:03):
that helps food move down to your stomach.
It is waves of muscle contractions
that help the food travel downward.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.