THIS common digestive issue could be a warning sign of a rare cancer
People often tend to dismiss heartburn as a common digestive issue; however, it could be a warning sign of a rare cancer. Yes, that's right. Persistent heartburn, which is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, could be a clear warning sign of a rarer and aggressive form of cancer - esophageal cancer.
Catching the symptoms early on is crucial for treatment outcomes.
What is esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus, which is the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach. It is the 10th most common cancer in the world. There are two types of esophageal cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma: cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus
Adenocarcinoma: cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids
What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer
People often get diagnosed because of the presence of symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society.
The chances of cancer being found accidentally are more unlikely.
However, what makes this cancer especially crucial is that most of the esophageal cancers do not cause symptoms until advanced.
Some of the common symptoms include:
Pain in the throat or back, behind your breastbone, or between the shoulder blades
Trouble swallowing
Chest pain
Vomiting or coughing up blood
Heartburn
Hoarseness
Unintentional weight loss
The heartburn-cancer connection
Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the
esophagus
. Though occasional episodes are normal, chronic heartburn is often linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause serious complications.
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Prolonged GERD can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition where the esophageal lining changes, increasing the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
When acid repeatedly irritates the esophagus, it can trigger cellular changes. Over time, these changes may become precancerous and, in some cases, develop into cancer.
When to consult a doctor
If the
heartburn
persists for weeks or occurs multiple times a week, it needs to be checked. If the heartburn is accompanied by other red flags such as difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting blood, it's time to see a doctor. Men over 50, especially smokers, and those with obesity or a family history of esophageal cancer are at higher risk.
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Other risk factors include:
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
Obesity
Barrett's esophagus and chronic acid reflux
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
History of cancer
Other disorders (e.g., achalasia, tylosis)
Occupational exposure to certain chemicals
Disclaimer
: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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