Cancer of the oesophagus is commonly referred to as oesophageal cancer. Also known as the food pipe, it is a long narrow tube, that serves as a passage for the food from the mouth to the abdomen. The cancer is triggered by abnormal mutations in the DNA of the oesophageal cells and can originate in any part of it. The condition predominantly affects men and has been listed as the 6th most common cancer worldwide. It is marked by symptoms like dysphagia, unintended weight loss, heartburn, indigestion, coughing and hoarseness.
Stomach cancer is also referred to as gastric cancer. It develops in the cells and tissues lining the stomach and presents as an ulcer or polyp which may or may not be accompanied by bleeding. Most of these cancers are detected at an advanced stage. In the majority of the cases, stomach cancer is linked with risk factors like acid reflux, smoking and bacterial infection, however, the exact cause is not known. Common symptoms associated with stomach cancer include unintended loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, traces of blood in stool and anaemia induced fatigue.
Treatment
Both oesophagal cancer and stomach cancer can be managed surgically as well as by using therapeutic interventions. These include:
- Surgical removal of the tumour along with the diseased tissue
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Your doctor may recommend a combination of these after a thorough evaluation of the symptoms. The treatment plan also depends upon the stage of cancer, the extent to which it has metastasized and the age of the patient.
