Ruokatorvisyöpä

Ruokatorvisyöpä refers to cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The most common types are squamous cell carcinoma, which arises from the flat cells lining the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, which develops from glandular cells, often in the lower part of the esophagus where it meets the stomach.

Risk factors for developing ruokatorvisyöpä include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) leading to Barrett's esophagus, obesity, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Age is also a factor, with the risk increasing significantly after the age of 50.

Symptoms can be vague in the early stages and may include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), a feeling of food getting stuck in the throat, persistent heartburn, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and hoarseness. As the tumor grows, swallowing problems become more severe.

Diagnosis typically involves an upper endoscopy with biopsy, which allows doctors to visualize the esophagus and take tissue samples for examination. Imaging tests like CT scans and PET scans may be used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread.

Treatment options depend on the stage and type of ruokatorvisyöpä, as well as the patient's overall health. They can include surgery to remove the cancerous section of the esophagus, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also becoming increasingly used options. Early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.