What is esophageal stromal tumor?
Apr 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Esophageal stromal tumors are a type of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, presenting as solitary masses within the esophageal wall and may occur multifocally. Risk factors include smoking, unbalanced diet, as well as genetic and environmental factors. In the early stage of the disease, patients may experience a sensation of food sticking during swallowing and mild retrosternal pain when ingesting food. During the intermediate stage, symptoms such as dysphagia, gastrointestinal bleeding, and weight loss may develop. In advanced stages, complications such as dehydration and pneumonia can occur.
Esophageal stromal tumors are a type of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, characterized by the formation of a single intramural mass within the esophagus, although multiple tumors may occur. Specific details are as follows:
Factors such as frequent smoking, unbalanced diet, poor eating habits, dysfunction of the body's immune surveillance system, as well as genetic and environmental influences, may all contribute to the development of esophageal stromal tumors. In the early stages of the disease, patients may experience a sensation of food sticking during swallowing or mild retrosternal pain when ingesting food. During the intermediate stage, symptoms such as dysphagia, gastrointestinal bleeding, and weight loss may appear. In advanced stages, complications including dehydration, varying degrees of anemia, and pneumonia may develop. As the disease progresses and malignant tissues metastasize to vital organs such as the lungs and liver, complications such as respiratory distress and liver failure may arise.
Once diagnosed with esophageal stromal tumor, prompt medical evaluation and active treatment at a hospital are necessary. Most cases can be effectively managed with timely intervention.
