Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Nov 7: Drinking tea or coffee at extremely high temperatures on a regular basis may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, commonly known as food pipe cancer, health experts have warned. The concern, however, is not about the beverages themselves but the temperature at which they are consumed.
According to Dr Arun Ramanan V, Consultant – Medical Oncology at Gleneagles Chennai, repeatedly exposing the food pipe to extremely hot liquids can damage its protective lining and may contribute to cellular changes over time.
The oesophagus is a muscular tube that caries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Its inner surface is protected by a layer of cells known as the mucosal lining. Regular consumption of scalding-hot beverages can injure this delicate layer, triggering repeated cycles of inflammation and repair.
Although the body naturally repairs damaged cells, repeated exposure to excessive heat may contribute to changes in the cells lining the oesophagus. In some individuals, these changes could increase the possibility of abnormal cell growth and eventually contribute to cancer development.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified the consumption of beverages above 65 degrees Celsius as probably carcinogenic to humans. Research has particularly associated very hot beverages with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Dr Ramanan clarified that this does not mean drinking hot tea or coffee will inevitably cause cancer. The available evidence points to excessive temperature as the concern rather than the beverages themselves.
Very hot beverages are only one of several potential risk factors for oesophageal cancer. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are well-established contributors. Increasing age, chronic acid reflux and certain long-standing oesophageal conditions may also increase the risk.
The doctor advised people who smoke or regularly consume alcohol to be particularly mindful of their oesophageal health. Persistent acid reflux and other long-standing digestive problems should also be medically evaluated rather than ignored.
People do not need to give up their daily tea or coffee to reduce the potential risk. Allowing beverages to cool before drinking them is a simple precaution. They should be consumed comfortably warm rather than at temperatures that can burn the mouth or throat.
Dr Ramanan also recommended avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption and seeking medical advice for persistent digestive problems.
Certain symptoms may indicate an underlying problem with the oesophagus and require medical attention. These include difficulty swallowing, particularly when it progressively worsens, difficulty swallowing solid foods that may eventually extend to liquids, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain behind the breastbone, repeated vomiting and blood in vomit.
The doctor cautioned that progressive difficulty in swallowing should never be ignored. Unexplained weight loss, persistent chest discomfort and blood in vomit also warrant prompt medical evaluation.
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer and may occur due to several other medical conditions. Depending on the symptoms, doctors may recommend an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the oesophagus. A small tissue sample may also be collected for a biopsy if required.
Dr Ramanan reiterated that people can continue enjoying tea and coffee as long as they avoid consuming them at scalding temperatures. Allowing beverages to cool before consumption, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol are practical steps to reduce preventable risk factors and protect long-term health.