obsolete malignant neoplasm of cervical part of esophagus

Esophageal Cancer: A Description

Esophageal cancer, also known as carcinoma of the esophagus, is a type of cancer that affects the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The cervical part of the esophagus, specifically, refers to the upper portion of the esophagus.

Characteristics

Esophageal cancer can be described as an aggressive malignancy that originates in the cells lining the esophagus. It can be further classified into two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, with the latter being more common in Western countries [7].

Symptoms

As the cancer progresses, it can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which initially may only affect solids but eventually includes liquids when the esophageal lumen is reduced to less than 13 mm [9]. Other symptoms may include weight loss, pain, and fatigue.

Causes and Risk Factors

While there's no sure way to prevent esophageal cancer, certain risk factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing this disease. These include chronic acid reflux (Barrett esophagus), smoking, and a diet high in processed meat [1].

Diagnosis and Staging

Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for determining the best possible outcome. A gastroenterologist may be the first healthcare provider to recognize the signs of esophageal cancer, followed by further evaluation through imaging tests and biopsies.

References:

• The esophagus wall has several layers, including the mucosa, which is where most cancers of the esophagus start [2].
• Esophageal cancer occurs when cancerous cells in your esophageal tissue begin to multiply, eventually creating a tumor [3].
• Esophageal cancer is often not diagnosed until it reaches advanced stages, so accuracy in the diagnosis and staging process is especially crucial for the best possible outcome [4].
• Cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach) [5].
• Esophageal cancer starts in the cells of the esophagus. A cancerous (malignant) tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into and destroy nearby tissue [8].

Based on the provided context, I've compiled a list of typical symptoms associated with esophageal cancer, specifically in the cervical part of the esophagus.

Common symptoms:

• Progressive dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) [1]
• Sensation of foreign body [1]
• Burning sensation [3]
• Food stagnation or feeling of food being stuck [1]
• Weight loss [3]

These symptoms can be indicative of esophageal cancer, particularly in the cervical part of the esophagus. It's essential to note that these symptoms may also be present in other conditions, and a proper diagnosis should only be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

Additional symptoms:

• Reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease) [3]
• Odynophagia (painful swallowing) [3]
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath) [3]

These additional symptoms can also be associated with esophageal cancer, but it's crucial to consider other possible causes as well.

References:

[1] Typical symptoms of esophageal cancer include progressive dysphagia, sensation of foreign body, burning, food stagnation or feeling of food being stuck. [Context 1] [3] The most common presenting symptoms were dysphagia (74.0%), weight loss (57.3%), reflux (20.5%), odynophagia (16.6%), and dyspnea (12.1%). [Context 3]

Please consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.

Diagnostic Tests for Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer, also known as carcinoma of the esophagus, is a type of cancer that affects the esophagus, which is the tube-like structure that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The diagnostic tests for esophageal cancer are crucial in determining the extent of the disease and planning the appropriate treatment.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are often used as the first line of diagnosis for esophageal cancer. These tests can help identify abnormalities in the esophagus and surrounding tissues. Some common imaging tests used to diagnose esophageal cancer include:

• X-rays: This is a basic imaging test that uses low-energy radiation to produce images of the internal structures of the body [3].
• CT (computed tomography) scans: A CT scan uses computer-processed combinations of multiple X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the body [3].
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans: An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the internal structures of the body [3].
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans: A PET scan uses small amounts of radioactive material to produce images of the metabolic activity within the body [3].

Endoscopic Tests

Endoscopic tests involve inserting an instrument with a camera and light on the end into the esophagus to visualize the inside of the esophagus. Some common endoscopic tests used to diagnose esophageal cancer include:

• Upper endoscopy: This is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down through the mouth and into the esophagus to examine the inside of the esophagus [1].
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): This test uses an ultrasound machine to produce images of the esophagus and surrounding tissues. It can help determine the size of the tumor, how deeply it has grown into the wall of the esophagus, and whether it has spread to surrounding tissues [6].

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to imaging tests and endoscopic tests, other diagnostic tests may be used to confirm a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. These include:

• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the esophagus for examination under a microscope [5].
• Blood chemistry studies: This test can help identify any abnormalities in blood chemistry that may indicate the presence of cancer [9].

References

[1] Mar 20, 2020 — Tests that use endoscopes can help diagnose esophageal cancer or determine the extent of its spread. Upper endoscopy is an important test for diagnosing esophageal cancer.

[3] Imaging tests used to look for esophagus cancer · X-rays · CT (computed tomography) scans · MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans · PET (positron emission ...

[6] An endoscopic ultrasound can determine the size of the tumor, how deeply into the wall of the esophagus it has grown, and whether it has spread to surrounding tissues.

[9] Esophagoscopy: A procedure to look inside the esophagus to check for abnormal areas. · Endoscopy · Blood chemistry studies · Complete blood count (CBC) · Endoscopic ...

Note: The above answer is based on the information provided in the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's always best to consult a medical professional for accurate and personalized advice.

Based on the available information, it appears that there are various treatment options for esophageal cancer, including drug treatments.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment option

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat esophageal cancer [8][9]. This treatment can be used before or after surgery, or as the main treatment if surgery is not possible.

Targeted drugs are also used

In addition to chemotherapy, targeted drugs are also used to treat esophageal cancer. These drugs specifically target certain proteins that help cancer cells grow and divide. For example, HER2-positive esophageal cancers can be treated with targeted drugs such as trastuzumab [14].

Other treatment options exist

Other treatment options for esophageal cancer include radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Radiation therapy can shrink tumors, while surgery may be used to remove the tumor or affected part of the esophagus. Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Stages of esophageal cancer matter

The stage of esophageal cancer also plays a crucial role in determining the best treatment option. Stage 0 esophageal cancer is small and only on the inside surface of the esophagus, while stage 4 esophageal cancer has grown beyond the esophagus or spread to other parts of the body [3].

Survival rates vary

The 5-year relative survival rate for esophageal cancer is 21.6%, but it varies by stage and histology. Patients with early-stage disease have a better chance of survival, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 48.1% for patients diagnosed at the local stage [12].

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan based on individual circumstances.

References:

[3] Stage of esophageal cancer [8] Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs [9] Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat esophageal cancer [12] 5-year relative survival rate for esophageal cancer [14] Targeted therapy for HER2-positive esophageal cancers

Based on the provided context, here are some potential differential diagnoses for an obsolete malignant neoplasm of the cervical part of the esophagus:

• Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma: This type of cancer is a rare and aggressive form of esophageal cancer that can present with similar symptoms to squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. [7]
• Malignant granular cell tumor (MGCT): Although extremely rare, MGCTs can occur in the cervical part of the esophagus and may be mistaken for other types of esophageal cancer. [11]
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is one of the most common types of esophageal cancer, and it's possible that an obsolete malignant neoplasm could be misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma if it presents with similar symptoms.
• Adenocarcinoma: Although adenocarcinomas are more commonly associated with the distal part of the esophagus, they can also occur in the cervical part. A differential diagnosis for an obsolete malignant neoplasm would include considering adenocarcinoma as a possibility.

It's essential to note that these differential diagnoses may not be exhaustive and should be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic information, such as imaging studies, endoscopic findings, and patient history.

References:

• [7] ICD-11: 2B70.Y - other specified malignant neoplasms of esophagus
• [11] by M Stašek · 2020 · Cited by 10 — Malignant granular cell tumor (MGCT) of the esophagus is an extremely rare malignancy with a poor prognosis.