SAEDNEWS: Continuous consumption of very hot liquids, especially tea, can cause repeated thermal injury to the lining of the esophagus. Over time, these recurring injuries may lead to chronic inflammation, cellular changes, and ultimately an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
As reported by the Saed News Family Magazine Service, as per Dr. Arman Abdi, a gastroenterologist and liver subspecialist and faculty member at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, esophageal cancer is a disease of the digestive system that is often diagnosed at advanced stages because early symptoms are mild or mistaken for common gastrointestinal problems.
He explained that regularly consuming very hot liquids, especially tea, can repeatedly cause thermal injury to the esophageal lining. Over time, these repeated injuries may lead to chronic inflammation, cellular changes, and ultimately an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
The specialist noted that when this factor is combined with other risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, chronic acid reflux, and prolonged psychological stress, the risk of developing the disease increases significantly.
Dr. Abdi emphasized the role of chronic stress in gastrointestinal diseases, stating that it weakens the immune system. One of the immune system’s key roles is identifying and eliminating abnormal cells that are continuously produced in the body. When stress disrupts immune function, the body becomes more vulnerable to diseases, including cancer.
He added that antioxidants help neutralize harmful oxidative agents in the body and support immune function. A healthy immune system plays a crucial role in preventing gastrointestinal disorders, while weakened immunity may contribute to malignancies.
Regarding bloating and acid reflux, he noted that these conditions are not direct causes of esophageal cancer, but persistent symptoms may serve as warning signs or aggravating factors for chronic esophageal damage. Long-term acid reflux, particularly in overweight individuals, can lead to precancerous changes in the esophagus.
Dr. Abdi stressed that certain gastrointestinal symptoms require immediate medical evaluation, including difficulty swallowing, pain during swallowing, food regurgitation, unexplained weight loss, anemia, vomiting blood, black stools, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, where patients feel food gets stuck and does not pass without drinking water.
He warned against self-medication, stating that some patients delay proper diagnosis by using over-the-counter gastrointestinal drugs. While medications may temporarily reduce symptoms, they do not treat the underlying disease and may postpone diagnosis.
According to Dr. Abdi, esophageal cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed early and may even be controlled without major surgery in some cases. However, in advanced stages where cancer cells have spread, treatment becomes difficult and may only be palliative.
He identified smoking as one of the most significant risk factors for esophageal cancer and noted that alcohol consumption also plays a major role in digestive system cancers, with no safe level of alcohol use established.
He further stated that frequent consumption of processed, smoked, and pickled foods may increase risk due to the presence of nitrites.
In conclusion, Dr. Abdi emphasized that avoiding very hot beverages, improving lifestyle habits, maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, managing stress, and seeking timely medical attention for warning symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of digestive diseases, particularly esophageal cancer.
