The 15 Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors

Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Let’s start by listing some of the esophageal cancer symptoms that individuals may experience. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or a combination of them, on a regular basis, please reach out to your acid reflux specialist or general care practitioner.

• Chest pain & heartburn

• Trouble swallowing

• Unintended weight loss due to indigestion

• Coughing & hoarseness

Esophageal Cancer Causes & Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer

#1: HPV Infection

Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) can cause warts (papillomas) to grow wherever the infection takes hold, even if that location is within the esophagus. Furthermore, just like HPV infections in the cervix and anal canal, HPV in the esophagus can lead to cancer.

#2: History of Another Type of Cancer

If you have had another type of cancer before, like mouth cancer or lung cancer, you may be at higher risk for developing esophageal cancer - specifically squamous cell carcinoma.

#3: Minimal Physical Activity

If you do not exercise or get any daily physical activity, you might be at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer - specifically adenocarcinoma.

#4: Tylosis

Tylosis is a very rare disorder that causes a patient to grow too much skin in the outermost layers of skin, throughout the entire body - including in the lining of the esophagus. This exuberant skin production leads to papillomas in the esophagus that can become cancerous very easily. Patients with tylosis will need to have regular scoping procedures to monitor for esophageal cancer growth.

#5: Achalasia

Interestingly, if a patient has achalasia, they seem to be more likely to develop esophageal cancer, as well. This may be because of the constant irritation of the cells that line the area. Consistent damage to these cells causes replication to be much higher than average, increasing the chances of mutation simply based on statistics alone.

#6: Plummer-Vinson Syndrome

Also called Paterson-Kelly syndrome, Plummer-Vinson syndrome is characterized by strange webbing in the upper esophagus. This webbing can block food from being swallowed properly, ultimately leading to irritation of the sensitive esophageal lining. As we’ve mentioned above, irritation of the esophageal lining leads to an overproduction of cells and an increased mutation risk.

#7: Using Tobacco Products

Tobacco products can increase your risk of developing adenocarcinoma and squamous cell esophageal cancer. The following tobacco-containing products will all increase your risk through causing irritation and facilitating the mutation of cells: chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes. The good news is that, if you stop using these products, your risk for developing esophageal cancer will reduce immediately.

#8: Consuming Alcohol

Just like with tobacco products, alcohol causes irritation to the esophagus and can initiate mutation in cells that come into contact with ethyl alcohol. The more you drink, the higher your risk of developing esophageal cancer. If you drink a lot of alcohol, your risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma will increase more than your risk for getting adenocarcinoma.

#9: How Old You Are

While you have no control over this, it is a risk factor. Individuals over the age of 55 are much more likely to develop esophageal cancer. In fact, “fewer than 15% of cases are found in people younger than age 55.”

#10: What Sex You Are

Genetic males are, interestingly, more likely to develop esophageal cancer, though it’s uncertain exactly why.

#11: GERD

Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease are at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. This is due to constant irritation of the esophageal lining, caused by persistent acid reflux into the esophagus. As we’ve established, this persistent irritation can cause increased cell replication and, ultimately, increased rates of mutation in the cells.

#12: Barrett’s Esophagus

This is a condition that is characterized by esophageal lining cells being replaced by small intestine lining cells. Medical professionals aren’t sure why this happens, only that about 10% of people with chronic GERD will develop Barrett’s Esophagus. Unfortunately, a patient with Barrett’s Esophagus is more likely to develop esophageal cancer.

#13: Poor Diet

Consuming foods like processed meat and very hot beverages can increase your risk for developing esophageal cancer (a diet heavy in processed meats can also increase your risk for developing colorectal cancer). Choosing foods high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals (on the other hand) will decrease your risk.

#14: Un-Addressed Obesity

This risk factor is mainly linked to GERD itself. Patients who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop GERD, and, as we know, GERD can lead to esophageal cancer through irritation of the esophageal lining.

What to Do if You Are At Risk

If you are a patient with any of these risk factors for esophageal cancer, you should talk to a reflux specialist - especially if you have GERD or another treatable condition. Contact the team at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center today.