Esophageal Cancer

Heartburn—you’ve probably experienced it after a spicy meal and wondered, is this normal? An occasional bout of heartburn is likely nothing to worry about. But if it’s cropping up often, it may be a sign of a larger problem. One that could ultimately lead to esophageal cancer—the fastest growing form of cancer in the United States. 

At the Riverside Cancer Institute, we are leading the charge in battling esophageal cancer, offering expert care, from prevention to screening to diagnosis to treatment. 

Catching Esophageal Cancer Early

When you experience heartburn, the sensation is located in the esophagus—the tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach. If you have heartburn often, you may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If left untreated, chronic GERD could lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition. And if Barrett’s esophagus is left untreated, it can lead to esophageal cancer.

As with most diseases, it helps to recognize and treat esophageal cancer early. That’s why we screen people who have symptoms or risk factors that may progress to cancer. Barrett’s esophagus is one of the most common risk factors: People who have the condition are 40 to 130 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer. And many individuals with Barrett’s esophagus aren’t aware they have it because medication used to treat heartburn and acid reflux can mask symptoms.

• Older age
• Being male
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet and poor nutrition

Beyond a burning sensation, heartburn may present itself as regurgitation, hoarseness, sore throat, cough or trouble swallowing. Your discomfort could be a sign of a larger problem. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week or if you have trouble falling asleep because of it, come see us.