China accounts for a significant proportion of global esophageal cancer incidence and mortality, accounting for more than half of the global total。The geographical distribution of this cancer showed significant regional differences, with Henan, Hebei, Fujian, Chongqing and Guangdong as the most common areas. In terms of gender, the number of male patients was significantly higher than that of women.
The causes of esophageal cancer are complex, with both genetic and environmental factors。Although it is not a disease directly caused by genetics, genetic predisposition is more common in some families, showing a tendency for familial clustering. In addition, certain habits in daily life, such as diet and lifestyle, are also thought to be associated with the development of esophageal cancer.
1.Avoid overheated food: The esophagus is extremely sensitive to high temperatures, and the ideal food temperature should be between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius。Foods with temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius can cause esophageal damage, which may lead to repeated damage and repair of the esophageal mucosa in the long term, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
2.Choose soft foods: In Central and North China, hard pasta dishes such as pancakes and pancakes are more popular。However, these foods can cause damage to the esophageal mucosa, especially if not chewed adequately. It is advisable to choose foods that are soft and easy to chew to protect esophageal health.
3.Avoid eating in a hurry: Eating too quickly can cause food to not be chewed adequately, which can damage the esophageal mucosa。Chronic esophageal inflammation can be triggered by this, further increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
4.Limit high-salt foods: Many people enjoy pickled, fried, smoked, and grilled foods, when nitrites in these foods combine with amines, they may form nitrosamines, which are carcinogens. It is recommended to reduce the intake of such foods to reduce the risk of esophageal and stomach cancers.
5.Moderate consumption of spicy foods: Spicy foods can stimulate appetite, but excessive intake may damage the esophageal epithelium, triggering inflammation, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to consume this type of food in moderation.
Swallowing paresthesia: It may be less obvious at first, but the early stages of esophageal cancer are often accompanied by swallowing discomfort. This may be due to a problem with the lining lining inside the esophagus, such as congestion or swelling. When eating, you may feel difficulty swallowing and sometimes feel like something is stuck in your throat, but there is no pain.
Dry throat and chest discomfort: Feeling dry in the throat accompanied by slight pain when swallowing, especially when eating dry, hard or rough foods。There may also be a feeling of tightness in the chest and a feeling of difficulty breathing, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the discomfort.
Pain in the sternum: You may feel significant pain in the sternum area when swallowing food. The form of pain varies from person to person, some may feel like a burning sensation, while others may feel like a pins and needles or pulling.
Vomiting: As the disease progresses, there may be food retention above the esophagus, causing the patient to vomit. The vomit is usually mucus or foam, occasionally mixed with food debris. When this symptom appears, you should seek medical attention immediately for an examination.
Standard endoscopic examination: Through the use of a fiber-optic microscope, doctors are able to examine the patient's throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to look for abnormalities. Because early-stage esophageal cancer can be difficult to visualize during routine endoscopy and may be missed by mistake, the use of chromoendoscopic techniques is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Stained endoscopic technique: This technique involves spraying a dye on the esophageal mucosa to help doctors distinguish between lesions and normal tissue。This contrast has led to a significant increase in the detection rate of early esophageal cancer.
Endoscopic ultrasound:This test reveals in detail the changes in the hierarchy of the esophagus, the depth of invasion of esophageal cancer, and the relationship of the tumor to surrounding tissues. This is essential for the evaluation of patients with esophageal cancer** prior to protocol.
Air barium double contrast contrast (barium swallow x-ray):It is an inexpensive test for detecting early superficial lesions of the esophagus. Clinically, this test is often used to determine the exact location and length of esophageal cancer lesions.
CT and MRI scans:These two imaging techniques are mainly used for staging and prognostic evaluation of esophageal cancer, helping doctors understand whether there are mediastinal lymph node metastases or metastases to other organs.
Positron emission tomography (PET-CT).: This advanced imaging technique is extremely sensitive and specific in detecting esophageal cancer lesions. It can help doctors determine the primary extent of the tumor, assess the presence of metastases in surrounding lymph nodes, and accurately determine the stage of the tumor.