How to prevent and treat Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is cancer cells that attack the esophagus. Prevention of esophagus is not a for sure thing however, lifestyle changes can aid in preventing the development of esophageal cancer in most cases. Remember, there are not actual preventive measures; however, excluding risk factors from your life will decrease the chances of developing esophageal cancer.

Tobacco/Alcohol Use

The number one cause of esophageal cancer is smoking or the use of tobacco products of any type along with heavy drinking second on the list. Never begin using tobacco products or quit is at the top of the list for preventing esophageal cancer along with drinking in moderation.

Heartburn/Acid Reflux

If you happen to suffer from heartburn, talk with your physician about medications that can be used to help with your heartburn or to prevent gastric reflux. Gastric reflux and other irritations can be a major contribution to esophageal cancer. The best way besides using medications is to avoid acidic, spicy, or fatty foods. You should also refrain from eating within two hours of lying down or any type of exercise.

Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can also help protect against esophageal cancer. A few of the items to add include cantaloupe, spinach, Swiss chard, mango, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, whole grains, walnuts, fish, and red bell peppers.

Healthy Weight

Maintaining proper weight is also another way in which to decrease your chances of developing esophageal cancer. If you do need to lose weight, do not lose the weight quickly. It is best to lose around 1 or 2 pounds per week.

Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

The type of treatment that will be recommended by your physician depends on the type of esophageal cancer, the location, the stage, your health, and your own preferences to treatment.

Surgery

The various types of surgeries associated with esophageal cancer are esophagectomy and esophagogastrectomy. Esophagectomy is normally used for those that are in the early stages of esophageal cancer. During this surgery, the tumor and generally the lymph nodes in the area will be removed. The remaining portion of the esophagus will be attached to the stomach. Esophagogasterctomy is the surgery used for individuals in advanced stages of esophageal cancer. During this surgery, the portion of the esophagus will be removed along with the lymph nodes and a portion of the stomach. The stomach will then be stretched up to the remainder of the esophagus and attached.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used for many different types of cancer. Chemotherapy is designed to destroy all cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can aid in reducing the size of the tumor, which is given in sessions while given the body time to recover in between. Chemotherapy not only kills all cancer cells but also destroys other cells in the process and the body needs time to heal.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy can be used prior to surgery or as the main treatment. With this type of treatment, a bean outside the body is aimed toward the cancer cells using radiation that will destroy the cancer cells.