It is a type of cancer that starts and progresses on the inner surface of the esophagus. When cancer spreads to other parts of the body, that is, metastasizes, it is called stage 4. Stage 4 is an advanced and difficult to treat condition. Esophageal cancer stage 4 symptoms It is usually severe and widespread.
What Causes Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells on the inner surface of the esophagus and grows uncontrollably. The reasons why esophageal cancer reaches stage 4 are based on various factors.
Esophageal cancer may not show obvious symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, the disease is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. When not diagnosed at an early stage, cancer cells continue to grow and spread, causing the disease to reach stage 4.
Esophageal cancer tends to grow and spread quickly in some cases. Cancer cells can spread through the walls of the esophagus and into organs. This causes the cancer to reach stage 4.
There are many factors that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Conditions such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, poor nutrition, and GERD increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Genetic predisposition and environmental factors also play a role in the development of esophageal cancer. Individuals with a family history of esophageal cancer are at higher risk of developing this disease.
Causes include late diagnosis, rapid growth and spread, risk factors, and genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosing it in the early stages can increase the chances of treatment and prevent the progression of cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer Stage 4?
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that starts and progresses on the inner surface of the esophagus. Stage 4 esophageal cancer is the most advanced stage in which the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. At this stage, symptoms are usually severe and widespread.
- Difficulty swallowing is the most common cause of esophageal cancer. esophageal cancer stage 4 symptoms is one of them. In the 4th stage, this symptom becomes more evident. Patients have difficulty swallowing solid foods and may have difficulty swallowing even liquid foods over time.
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss is a significant symptom of advanced cancer. Patients may lose weight rapidly due to loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and metabolic changes. This condition is caused by the body not receiving enough nutrients.
- Esophageal cancer can cause pain in the chest and back area. This pain usually increases while eating or swallowing. Pain occurs as a result of the esophagus affecting and spreading to the nerves around it.
- Hoarseness and chronic cough are among the symptoms seen in the advanced stages of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer stage 4 symptomsIt occurs as a result of pressure or spread on the respiratory tract.
- Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in the advanced stages of esophageal cancer. Cancer spreading to the stomach or blockage of the esophagus can cause these symptoms.
- Fatigue and fatigue are common in patients with stage 4 esophageal cancer. This condition occurs when the body fights cancer and loses energy due to lack of nutrients.
Stage 4 of esophageal cancer is characterized by severe and widespread symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent disease progression and improve quality of life. Because, esophageal cancer stage 4 symptoms When noticed, medical help should be sought immediately.
Esophagus Cancer Stage 4 Treatment
Stage 4 of esophageal cancer is the most advanced stage where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. At this stage, treatment aims to control, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. More than one method is usually used together in treatment.
Chemotherapy is treatment used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy is applied to control metastases and relieve symptoms.
Radiotherapy is a treatment that targets cancer cells using high-energy rays. In stage 4, radiotherapy is used to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms such as pain. Radiotherapy is usually administered together with chemotherapy.
Targeted therapies are drugs that target molecules that prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading. These treatments are selected based on the biological characteristics of the cancer. It can be used together with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that increases the immune system's capacity to fight cancer. Immunotherapy for esophageal cancer may be effective in some patients. It may be combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Palliative care is supportive treatments that aim to improve the patient's quality of life. Pain management, nutritional support, and psychological support are important components of palliative care.
Treatment involves a combination of methods to control the disease and relieve symptoms. Treatment plan, general health status of the patient esophageal cancer stage 4 symptoms and is customized according to the characteristics of the cancer.
