Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from throat to  stomach.  esophagus helps move the food swallow from the back of throat to stomach to be digested.

Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere along the esophagus. More men than women get esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Incidence rates vary within different geographic locations. In some regions, higher rates of esophageal cancer may be attributed to tobacco and alcohol use or particular nutritional habits and obesity.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Weight loss without trying
• Chest pain, pressure or burning
• Worsening indigestion or heartburn
• Coughing or hoarseness

Early esophageal cancer typically causes no signs or symptoms.

Causes of Esophageal Cancer

It's not exactly clear what causes esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer occurs when cells in the esophagus develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. The changes make cells grow and divide out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor in the esophagus that can grow to invade nearby structures and spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is classified according to the type of cells that are involved. The type of esophageal cancer you have helps determine treatment options. Types of esophageal cancer include:

• Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the United States, and it affects primarily white men.
• Squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are flat, thin cells that line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide.
• Other rare types. Some rare forms of esophageal cancer include small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma and choriocarcinoma.

Risk factors

It's thought that chronic irritation of  esophagus may contribute to the changes that cause esophageal cancer. Factors that cause irritation in the cells of esophagus and increase  risk of esophageal cancer include:

• Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Smoking
• Having precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus)
• Being obese
• Drinking alcohol
• Having bile reflux
• Having difficulty swallowing because of an esophageal sphincter that won't relax (achalasia)
• Having a steady habit of drinking very hot liquids
• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
• Undergoing radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen

Complications

As esophageal cancer advances, it can cause complications, such as:

• Obstruction of the esophagus. Cancer may make it difficult for food and liquid to pass through esophagus.
• Pain. Advanced esophageal cancer can cause pain.
• Bleeding in the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can cause bleeding. Though bleeding is usually gradual, it can be sudden and severe at times.

Prevention

• Quit smoking. 
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. 
• Maintain a healthy weight. 

Homeopathic Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat cancer of esophagus symptoms but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat cancer of esophagus symptoms that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.

Arsenic Album, Rhus Tox, Causticum, Gelsemium, Phosphorous,

Nitric Acid, Mercurius, Alumina, Merc Cor, Secale Cor, Sulphuric Acid,

Alumina, Calcaria Carb, Hydrastis, Sepia, Lachesis, Carbolic Acid,  Silicea,

Ignatia, Natrum Mur, Kali Carb, Plumbum Met, Lycopodium and many other medicines.

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