Esophagus Cancer Survival

We have to eat to survive! But when swallowing food or even drink causes problems, this part of life becomes very unpleasant.

Whether it is difficulty in swallowing at all, pain caused by swallowing, a feeling that something is obstructing the food going down the esophagus, a burning sensation when food is going down, or any sort of discomfort unless foods are liquid or very soft, the reason must be investigated. While there may be many other reasons for these problems, they could also be the first signs of esophagus cancer.

The process of swallowing is one of many stages. Firstly the tongue pushes the food to the back of the mouth, then muscles contract to move it through the pharynx (the area between the back of the throat and the top of the esophagus), then the sphincters (like valves) at the top and bottom of the esophagus have to open to allow the food to pass through. Then they close to prevent it coming back up. And last but not least, a process of peristalsis (ordered contractions of the muscle) within the esophagus continually pushes the food on to the stomach. So difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, can be due to malfunction in any one of those stages.

Aging can cause loss of muscle strength as well as involuntary spasms in the walls of the esophagus.

Sometimes the lower sphincter muscle doesn't open properly or often enough to allow the food a smooth passage into the stomach. And, of course, it may also not close properly allow stomach contents to come back up the esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux, from acidic stomach contents coming back up can often cause scar tissue to form inside the esophagus. This is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. This in turn will narrow the pipe and make it harder for larger pieces of food to pass through. Liquefying foods or chewing really well to make food smaller and full of saliva can help if this is the problem.

If allowed to continue, GERD can eventually lead to Barrett's esophagus where the cells lining the esophagus change, and this in turn can lead to esophagus cancer.

Occasionally a small pouch (or diverticula) can form in the wall of the esophagus and food may build up in there. This in turn causes an obstruction making swallowing difficult.

If scarring from continual regurgitation of stomach acid occurs, this may cause the lining to become hard and inflexible, again making the passage of food difficult because the muscles cannot contract to push it through.

There are also some neuromuscular problems that can result in difficulty swallowing. Eg strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or even various muscle diseases. Even plain old stress can cause havoc with our ability to ingest food.

So, if you have any repetitive or continual difficulty swallowing, it is important to see your Doctor as soon as possible. Although it may not turn out to be a symptom of esophagus cancer, it may well be the warning signs of one of the many conditions that may lead to it.

More information on esophagus cancer symptoms.

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