This week, ‘Pepe’ Mujicaformer president of Uruguay, shared details about his health in an interview with the weekly “Búsqueda.” He revealed that the esophageal cancer that was diagnosed has spread to the liver, and He stated that his condition is irreversible, ensuring that he is “dying.”
Mujica explained that the disease progresses without the possibility of treatment and announced that he will not give any more interviews or undergo new treatments, asking for respect for his privacy in his last moments.
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What is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the lining of the esophagus begin to multiply uncontrollably. According to the American Cancer Society, This condition can develop in any part of the esophagus, although it generally begins in the inner layer of the esophageal wall, extending to the deeper layers of the organ.
Esophageal cancer is a dangerous type of cancer due to its difficult detection in early stages, which makes its diagnosis and treatment difficult. It is classified into two main types depending on the cells involved in the tumor:
- 1. Squamous cell carcinomawhich originates in the squamous cells that line the mucosa of the esophagus and is most common in the cervical esophagus and the upper two-thirds of the esophagus.
- 2. Adenocarcinomawhich comes from glandular cells responsible for producing mucus and is mainly found in the lower third of the esophagus. This type is related to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which glandular cells replace squamous cells in the lower part of the esophagus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Symptoms of esophageal cancer usually appear when the disease has advanced considerably.
In its early stages, there may be no obvious manifestations. As the cancer progresses, patients may experience the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain or feeling of pressure in the chest
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Heartburn or indigestion that gets worse over time
Although there is no foolproof way to prevent esophageal cancer, it is possible to reduce the risk through certain lifestyle habits.
Notable recommendations include moderation in alcohol consumption, since the abuse of this substance is an important risk factor. It is suggested that women do not consume more than one drink a day and men do not exceed two.
In addition, It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, It is essential to strengthen the immune system and reduce the chances of developing this disease.
Smoking is another significant risk factor. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective actions to reduce the possibility of developing this disease.
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