Although most cancers develop due to environmental hazards or the presence of genetic risk factors, there are nevertheless some cancers that can be triggered following exposure to viruses. Hepatitis C is a virus known to increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, but esophagus cancer is not on the list.
Esophagus Cancer
Esophagus cancer is cancer that originates in the esophagus, which is the tube in your throat that allows food to travel from the mouth to the stomach. Symptoms of esophagus cancer include localized pain in the esophagus when swallowing, persistent coughing, vomiting or unexpected weight loss.
Risk Factors
According to MedicineNet.com, certain factors can make one more likely to develop cancer of the esophagus. These include increased age, sex (this cancer is more common in men), use of tobacco, use of alcohol, the existence of gastic reflux disease, family or personal history of cancer or exposure to other items that could irritate the esophagus. Hepatitis C is not mentioned as a possible risk factor.
Hepatitis C
According to MedlinePlus, Hepatitis C is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver. While many individuals fail to present symptoms when infected, where present, symptoms include pain in the abdomen, fatigue, nausea, jaundice and vomiting. Hepatitis C is contracted through exchange of bodily fluids with someone who is infected--blood, saliva or sexual fluids.
Hepatitis C and Cancer
According to an article published in the March 2005 issue of ScienceDaily, Hepatitis C infection can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. These include liver cancer, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgekin's lymphoma. This was discovered by a Swedish team of researchers operating out of --rebro University Hospital in Sweden.
Considerations
Regardless of Hepatitis C's failure to trigger cancer of the esophagus, the disease remains a serious one, and you should seek treatment as soon as is reasonably possible. Depending on the severity of the infection, your physician might prescribe anything from benign watching and waiting to a full-blown liver transplant.
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