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. 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.