Tumors of Esophagus

Tumors of Esophagus

Summarize

Esophageal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Esophageal cancer is a disease characterized by the malignant transformation of esophageal tissue. The esophagus, commonly referred to as the 'food pipe,' is a hollow, muscular tube that transports food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. In most children, esophageal tumors originate from the thin, flat cells lining the esophagus.

Epidemiological

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Etiology & Risk Factors

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Classification & Staging

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Clinical Manifestations

 S&S

        Esophageal cancer can cause any of the following symptoms and signs. If your child has any of these, consult a pediatrician:

 dysphagia

There is blood in the sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs)

 lose weight

Hoarseness and cough

Indigestion and heartburn (burning sensation)

There was blood in the vomit

In addition to esophageal cancer, other conditions can also cause these signs and symptoms.

Clinical Department

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Examination & Diagnosis

Esophageal cancer can be diagnosed and staged by the following tests:

Physical examination and medical history ​

Chest X-ray examination

CT scan

PET scan

 ultrasound

 biopsy

        For a description of these checks and processes, see the basic information section above.

        Other tests used to diagnose esophageal cancer include:

Esophagoscopy: This procedure is used to examine the esophagus for any abnormal areas. The esophagoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose into the throat and then into the esophagus. It is a thin, tubular instrument equipped with a light source and a lens for observation. Sometimes, the esophagoscope also includes a tool for obtaining tissue samples, which can be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. Typically, doctors collect biopsy samples during esophagoscopy. Occasionally, the biopsy may show that the changes in the esophagus are not cancerous but could potentially develop into cancer. ​ Bronchoscopy: This procedure is used to examine the trachea and the airways within the lungs for any abnormal areas. The bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. It is a thin, tubular instrument equipped with a light source and a lens for observation. Sometimes, the bronchoscope also includes a tool for obtaining tissue samples, which can be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer.

Thoracoscopy: This is a surgical procedure used to examine the abnormal areas of the thoracic organs. A small incision is made between two ribs, and a thoracoscope is inserted into the chest. The thoracoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument equipped with a light source and a lens for observation. Sometimes, the thoracoscope also includes a tool for obtaining tissue or lymph node samples, which can be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. In some cases, this procedure may also involve removing part of the esophagus or lung.

Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure used to examine abdominal organs for signs of disease. During the procedure, healthcare providers make several small incisions in the abdominal wall and insert a laparoscope (a thin, light-emitting tube) through one of these incisions. Other instruments can also be inserted through the same or other incisions to remove organs or obtain tissue samples. After the surgery, doctors can examine the samples under a microscope to identify any signs of disease.

Clinical Management

For information on the following treatments, see the treatment overview section above.

        Treatment for childhood esophageal cancer may include the following:

Radiotherapy: Radioactive material (drug) is placed through the mouth into the esophagus through a plastic or metal tube. ​

 chemotherapy

The tumor is removed by surgery, either all or in part

        Children with recurrent esophageal cancer may consider participating in clinical trials to test for changes in genes in tumor samples and to target patients based on the type of gene change.

Prognosis

Esophageal cancer is difficult to cure because it is usually impossible to remove the entire tumor surgically.

Follow-up & Review

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Daily Care

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Cutting-edge therapeutic and clinical Trials

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References

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Audit specialists

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