Oesophagus cancer on the rise
Sep 09, 2007
THE disease is said to have been rare but presently, more cases are emerging in Uganda.
By Tony Barigye
THE disease is said to have been rare but presently, more cases are emerging in Uganda.
Dr. Awusi Kavuma, a radio physicist at Mulago Hospital, revealed recently that on average, 26 patients with cancer of the oesophagus are treated every year. Kavuma said many patients remain untreated, mostly in rural areas.
The oesophagus, also known as the gullet, is a tube through which food gets to the stomach from the mouth. It may develop cancerous cells. Jackson Orem, a cancer consultant at Mulago, says the Oesophagus is divided into the upper, mid and the lower end.
The cancer causes difficulty in swallowing. It begins with difficulty in swallowing solids and eventually, liquids.
When the disease has been diagnosed, an endoscopy or a barium swallow should be done. An endoscope is a visual instrument that has a flexible extension commonly fitted with a small camera.
It is pushed down the throat into the gullet to visualise the affected areas, with the camera, pictures of these areas can be taken and studied.
With a barium swallow, a liquid is poured down the throat and its flow is monitored down the throat.
Kavuma says through the x-ray vision, the affected area is confirmed. Once this is done, surgery and radiotherapy must be given. Chemotherapy is not commonly used.
He explains that a tube is sometimes inserted to replace the oesophagus. But adds that, it does not mean the cancer has healed. In some cases, the cancer cells scatter to other areas.
In his book, Radiotherapy for Cancer patients, a guide to self-help during cancer treatment, he says the cancer may be associated with excessive drinking of alcohol and smoking. It is usually found in people aged 30 and above.
According to his book, eating fruits and vegetables minimise the chances of getting the disease.
THE disease is said to have been rare but presently, more cases are emerging in Uganda.
Dr. Awusi Kavuma, a radio physicist at Mulago Hospital, revealed recently that on average, 26 patients with cancer of the oesophagus are treated every year. Kavuma said many patients remain untreated, mostly in rural areas.
The oesophagus, also known as the gullet, is a tube through which food gets to the stomach from the mouth. It may develop cancerous cells. Jackson Orem, a cancer consultant at Mulago, says the Oesophagus is divided into the upper, mid and the lower end.
The cancer causes difficulty in swallowing. It begins with difficulty in swallowing solids and eventually, liquids.
When the disease has been diagnosed, an endoscopy or a barium swallow should be done. An endoscope is a visual instrument that has a flexible extension commonly fitted with a small camera.
It is pushed down the throat into the gullet to visualise the affected areas, with the camera, pictures of these areas can be taken and studied.
With a barium swallow, a liquid is poured down the throat and its flow is monitored down the throat.
Kavuma says through the x-ray vision, the affected area is confirmed. Once this is done, surgery and radiotherapy must be given. Chemotherapy is not commonly used.
He explains that a tube is sometimes inserted to replace the oesophagus. But adds that, it does not mean the cancer has healed. In some cases, the cancer cells scatter to other areas.
In his book, Radiotherapy for Cancer patients, a guide to self-help during cancer treatment, he says the cancer may be associated with excessive drinking of alcohol and smoking. It is usually found in people aged 30 and above.
According to his book, eating fruits and vegetables minimise the chances of getting the disease.