How long does it take for esophageal cancer to metastasize?
On the other hand, metastases were metachronous in 58% in cases (72% in the extremities group) and the median interval time between initial tumor and metastasis diagnosis was 8.3 months (4.5 months in the extremity group versus 13 months in the abdominopelvic group).
Where is the first place esophageal cancer spreads?
Specifically, cancer of the esophagus begins in the inner layer of the esophageal wall and grows outward. If it spreads through the esophageal wall, it can travel to lymph nodes, which are the small, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection, as well as the blood vessels in the chest and other nearby organs.
What is esophageal cancer pain like?
Someone with esophageal cancer may experience pain in the middle of the chest that feels like pressure or burning. This discomfort can often be confused with other problems, such as heartburn, so it is difficult to recognize it as a symptom.
Can you see esophageal cancer on a CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) scan This test can help tell if esophageal cancer has spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes (bean-sized collections of immune cells to which cancers often spread first) or to distant parts of the body.
Can your esophagus cause back pain?
Because of the intensity of heartburn associated with GERD, pain may radiate from the referred area of the esophagus to your lower back.
Where do you feel esophagus pain?
Esophageal spasms are painful contractions within the muscular tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). Esophageal spasms can feel like sudden, severe chest pain that lasts from a few minutes to hours. Some people may mistake it for heart pain (angina).
What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?
Chest pain. Some people get a feeling of pressure or burning in the chest. These symptoms are more often caused by problems other than cancer, such as heartburn, so they are rarely seen as a signal that a person might have cancer. Swallowing may become painful if the cancer is large enough to limit the passage of food through the esophagus.
What causes fatigue in esophageal cancer patients?
fatigue, which could be brought on by anemia, triggered by blood loss; certain medications and cancer treatments; and poor sleep due to pain or medication side effects Are there treatments to ease the end stage symptoms of esophageal cancer?
What are the symptoms of trouble swallowing with cancer?
Trouble swallowing. The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is a problem swallowing, with a feeling like the food is stuck in the throat or chest, or even choking on food. The medical term for trouble swallowing is dysphagia. This is often mild when it starts, and then gets worse over time as the opening inside the esophagus gets smaller.
Why do people with esophageal cancer eat soft foods?
People then might start eating softer foods that can pass through the esophagus more easily. They might avoid bread and meat, since these foods typically get stuck. The swallowing problem may even get bad enough that some people stop eating solid food completely and switch to a liquid diet.