Nitesh Ratnakar is highly experienced Gastroenterologist Elkins. He believes in keeping his patients well-informed about high risk diseases of the GI tract. Recently there has been an increase in the incidence of some types of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Keeping this in mind it’s important to be aware of certain factors that can put you at greater risk. It can help you lower your likelihood of esophageal cancer.
If you are unaware of what Esophageal Cancer is, you can consult Nitesh Ratnakar Gastroenterologist Wheeling. Esophageal cancer is cancer that affects the esophagus — the muscular tube that connects our mouth and stomach. Moreover, esophageal cancer starts in the inner lining of the esophagus and can spread to the outer layers as it grows. Largely, esophageal cancer doesn’t cause symptoms early on hence symptoms usually occur after the tumor in the esophagus grows larger.
Nitesh Ratnakar Gastroenterologist Wheeling states that there are different types of esophageal cancer, however, the two most common types of esophageal cancer are:
Adenocarcinoma – is a type of cancer that occurs in glandular cells that produce mucus. Adenocarcinoma often starts near the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. It is alarmingly that this is the fastest-growing cancer as there has been a significant increase in cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the last few years.
Squamous cell carcinoma – is a type of cancer that affects squamous cells, which line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that look like fish scales. Most cases of squamous cell carcinoma occur in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus.
Nitesh Ratnakar your Gastroenterologist Elkins helps you to understand the symptoms of Esophageal Cancer:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Unintentional weight loss
Chest pain (pressure or burning)
Worsening indigestion or heartburn
Coughing or hoarseness
If you are facing a dilemma about when to see a Gastroenterologist Wheeling, Nitesh Ratnakar will help you to detect symptoms and rule out any risk. He also explains that having one or more symptoms doesn’t mean you have esophageal cancer. Since many conditions can produce similar symptoms it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional to find the cause and get treatment. It is important to remember that treatment often has the best outcome when started early.
Nitesh Ratnakar Gastroenterologist Wheeling underlines some common causes of esophageal cancer which include smoking and tobacco use, alcohol consumption, achalasia, Plummer-Vinson syndrome, swallowing lye, and GERD.
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