Definition
Esophagus means esophagus in Latin. As you know, the pharynx starts from the root of the tongue and joins with the esophagus below. It is 20-22 cm long in an adult. It descends in the thorax by making an arc with the pressure of the heart. One measure runs in the abdominal cavity and joins with the upper part of the stomach. The epithelial (inner membrane) cells on the actual inner surface change from top to bottom. Because of this, the type of cancer that develops differs according to the region where it is located.
Frequency
Esophageal cancer has a frequency of 1% of all cancers. Its frequency is decreasing all over the world. In the midst of this, the refrigerator’s entry into our lives is a precious place.
reasons
Especially smoked foods, very salty storage procedures allowed foods to be stored for a long time in periods when there was no refrigerator. It is still used as a way to store sun-dried and highly salted foods in Asian countries and Japan. This causes foods to spoil so much that they don’t poison us. Bacteria in foods produce cancer-causing chemicals such as nitrite. In this form, highly smoked foods also pose a risk.
Another worthy cause is smoke. In our country, women who burn tandoor ovens and bake their breads are exposed to a lot of smoke. Smoking is also in the midst of worthy causes. Heavy smokers and those living with heavy smokers are also naturally at risk. If the barbecue burns the food, especially with high heat, this disrupts the structure of the food, causing cancer-causing tar-like formations. In addition, those who work in the asphalt and plastic business and are exposed to its fumes for a long time are also at risk.
Another risk factor is poor oral hygiene, rotten teeth. They cause common bacterial infections and toxins to pass through the esophagus.
Again, one of the most discussed bets is Barrett’s esophagus. This is a cell change that occurs at the lower end of the esophagus. Its pathological name is metaplasia. Metaplasia turns into dysplasia, which in turn becomes cancer. But metaplasia can also return. There are basically two theories of its formation. The first is that reflux, that is, stomach acid, always escapes into the esophagus, irritating the esophagus, and the body changes its cell structure to protect itself. The body places more robust cells in this area, but this can cause cancer. Another theory is the collection of congenital cells of this type in this region, independent of reflux. They change over time and cause cancer. However, the reality is that individuals with Barrett’s esophagus are at increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. These people should have regular endoscopy (observation of the esophagus with a light tube and biopsy).
Causes of Esophageal Cancer
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Cigaret
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poor dental health
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Excessive amount of nitrosamines in foods (Spoiled, stored foods)
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Barrett esophagus
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Smoked foods, food producers (for example, Tandoori bread ovens)
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Foods dried in the sun and stored by salting (included in the food culture of the Far East)
