Overall, the prognosis for esophageal cancer is very poor. Most patients do not receive a medical diagnosis until the cancer has metastasized to other regions of the body. In the most advanced cases, patients often die within the first year or two after diagnosis. Less than 5% of patients who are diagnosed with late stage esophageal cancer live five years.
The primary reason for the poor prognosis for esophageal cancer is the fact that most patients are not diagnosed until the cancer has become large and progressed to other areas. Cancers of the throat are often quite aggressive, meaning they spread more quickly than many other forms, and they are harder to control. Once any cancer has metastasized it becomes less treatable than cancers which have not spread.
The prognosis for esophageal cancer is greatly improved with early detection. There is generally no annual recommended testing for this for of cancer, so most patients don't realize there is a problem until symptoms become evident. Common symptoms are difficulty swallowing and pain in the throat. More progressed cancers may also cause fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite or weight loss. The earlier a patient goes for medical care and treatment, the earlier the cancer can be detected and the better the prognosis.
Treatment for esophageal cancer usually involves symptom management for the patient. This can include surgically removing any tumors and using pain medications. Those who cannot swallow on their own may receive tubal or intravenous feedings. In later stages, chemotherapy and radiation treatments do not generally improve the prognosis for esophageal cancer.
Many patients do not receive life-prolonging procedures or medications because of the risk of severe and uncomfortable side effects. This may vary based on the patient's request and the aggressiveness of each individual cancer. Those with the most progressed forms rarely react positively to chemical treatments. Patients with early stage cancer have a strong chance of going into remission, and aggressive treatments are likely to be used.
Risk factors for cancer of the esophagus include smoking, chewing tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, and severe acid reflux. Tobacco related cancers are the most common. Esophageal cancer and other throat cancers are relatively rare in those who don't smoke or drink, although the numbers of affected individuals is growing.