Stomach and esophageal cancer have a lot in common when it comes to prevention and detection. But stomach cancer symptoms can differ from esophageal cancer symptoms.
Swallowing difficulty is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. You may complain of food getting stuck as you try to swallow it. If swallowing becomes a persistent problem, contact your health care provider.
You should also watch for other esophageal cancer symptoms:
Source:Virginia Piper Cancer Institute Reviewed by: Daniel Dunn, MD, medical director, Virginia Piper Cancer Institute Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Program First Published: 10/29/2009 Last Reviewed: 10/29/2009
Know your risks
Knowing what puts you at risk of getting cancer of the stomach or esophagus can help you take steps to prevent disease.
The cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Drinking too much alcohol damages the esophagus and stomach. That’s why you should drink only in moderation and avoid smoking and smokeless tobacco.
Ulcers in the stomach and small intestine can lead to stomach cancer. Good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands before eating or after using the bathroom, can help you avoid helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes most ulcers.
A diet full of smoked, salted or pickled foods, may lead to stomach cancer. Unhealthy eating habits also can lead to obesity, a risk factor for esophageal cancer.
Compared to people of other races, stomach cancer is more common in Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and African Americans. Being African-American is linked to esophageal cancer.
A family history of stomach cancer, colon cancer or polyps can increase your risks.
Source:Virginia Piper Cancer Institute; National Cancer Institute; American Cancer Society Reviewed by: Daniel Dunn, MD, medical director, Virginia Piper Cancer Institute Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Program First Published: 10/29/2009 Last Reviewed: 10/29/2009
Smoking tobacco causes most cases of lung cancer. That is why we offer smoking cessation programs.
Tests you may have
Many of the tests used to diagnose stomach cancer are also used to find esophageal cancer. If your health care provider suspects either cancer, you may have one or more of these tests:
A biopsy involves taking samples of cells or tissue. A pathologist then looks at the samples under a microscope to determine if they're cancer. Biopsies also show cells that haven't developed into cancer but may lead to cancer in the future.
A specially trained doctor places a flexible plastic tube with a camera into the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach. The doctor then takes samples of tissue that will be examined for cancer. Patients are asleep during this type of endoscopy.
An upper GI (gastrointestinal) series is a set of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach. It is also called a barium swallow because you first need to swallow a drink with barium. In X-rays, the substance outlines the esophagus and stomach. This helps doctors see any tumors.
A thoracic CT is a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest and upper abdomen, including the esophagus and stomach. Computer-generated pictures show details inside of the esophagus and stomach.
A PET (positron emission tomography) scan may find cancer that other tests may not find. First, a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. A scanner takes pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Cancer cells use more glucose because they grow at a faster rate than normal cells.
Source:Virginia Piper Cancer Institute; American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute Reviewed by: Daniel Dunn, MD, medical director, Virginia Piper Cancer Institute Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Program First Published: 10/29/2009 Last Reviewed: 10/29/2009
Tobacco and alcohol