Living with Carcinoma of esophagus
A cancer of the tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.
Understanding Carcinoma of esophagus
It most often affects adults. Symptoms may develop as the cancer grows.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says these may develop as the cancer grows:
- Heartburn
- Pain or trouble when swallowing
- A hoarse voice
- A cough that does not go away
- Weight loss
- Coughing up blood
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Cancer Society and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the exact cause usually is not known. Both environmental and genetic factors are thought to play a role, and changes in several genes may raise risk. Tobacco use and heavy alcohol use may raise a person's chance.
Also known as: carcinoma of the esophagus; carcinoma of the oesophagus; esophageal carcinoma; esophagus carcinoma; oesophageal carcinoma; oesophagus carcinoma
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyCarcinoma of esophagus · United States
- Cancer Hope NetworkCarcinoma of esophagus · United States
- Esophageal Cancer Action NetworkCarcinoma of esophagus · United States
- Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association Inc.Carcinoma of esophagus · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Carcinoma of esophagus.
Explore research for Carcinoma of esophagus
Explore actively recruiting Carcinoma of esophagus studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Carcinoma of esophagus with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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