How does esophageal cancer cause death

Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer are more likely to die from this cancer than from other causes. However, these patients also face considerable risk of death from other cancers, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and respiratory diseases. These common causes of death should be taken into consideration in esophageal cancer management. Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name.

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Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancers. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Accessed Dec. Niederhuber JE, et al. Cancer of the esophagus. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Elsevier; Cameron AM, et al. Management of esophageal cancer. In: Current Surgical Therapy. Esophageal cancer. American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Accessed Feb. Saltzman JR, et al. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and staging of esophageal cancer. Gibson MK, et al. Epidemiology and pathobiology of esophageal cancer. Amin MB, et al. Esophagus and esophagogastric junction. As the tumor grows and spreads, however, esophageal cancer patients often experience painful swallowing and associated weight loss because they can't eat enough food to get the calories and nutrition that they need. Cancer itself can also affect metabolism and cause additional weight loss.

They may also feel like food is getting trapped in the throat because the tumor has grown so large. In very advanced stages of esophageal cancer, a patient may have a hoarse voice, frequent hiccups, and throat pain, and may even vomit blood.

Your best defense against esophageal cancer is to know the risk factors and warning signs, and go straight to your doctor if you suspect that you could have esophageal cancer. If you have risk factors , such as frequent heartburn or if you smoke or drink heavily, you should be especially aware of the warning signs and be monitored closely by your doctor.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving your chances of surviving esophageal cancer. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Esophageal Cancer. Reviewed: February 19, Medically Reviewed. Esophageal Cancer: Stages and Survival Rates The esophagus is a long, muscular tube that joins your mouth to your stomach.