Esophageal Cancer

Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Surgery to Remove the Cancer :

 Two types of surgery are commonly performed for esophageal  cancer. In one type of surgery, parts of the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes are removed, and the remaining portion of the esophagus is reconnected to the stomach. In the other surgery, part of the esophagus, nearby lymph nodes, and the top of the stomach are removed. The remaining portion of the esophagus is reconnected to the stomach.

LaserTreatment and Stents  to Relieve Symptoms : 

Even if your esophageal  cancer cannot be cured and if your cancer is blocking your oesophagus and making it difficult to swallow, Laser treatment may be used to clear any blockages.  Or a tube called a stent is put in to allow food and drink to pass through. 

Chemotherapy for Esophageal  Cancer

Radiotherapy for Esophageal  Cancer :

Combined Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Esophageal  Cancer :

If your cancer hasn’t spread, but is difficult to remove, your doctor may suggest you have combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy.This treatment is designed to try to get rid of your cancer fully. Your doctor may also suggest this approach if you cannot have surgery for some reason, but your cancer could potentially be removed.  It is quite an intensive treatment and there are side effects. It has proved to be particularly successful for squamous cell cancers that are nearer to the top of the oesophagus. 

Esophageal  Cancer starts in the cells of the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that leads from the back of the mouth (pharynx) to the stomach. It sits between the spine and the lungs. The muscles of the esophagus move in rhythmic waves to push food and drink to the stomach. The point where the esophagus joins the stomach is called the gastroesophageal  junction. The muscles at the junction prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing back up into the esophagus.

Cancer of the esophagus may develop anywhere along the length of the esophagus.

There are 2 main types :  

1. Squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the squamous cells that line the esophagus.
2. Adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular cells of the lower third of the esophagus or in cells that have been damaged by acid backing up from the stomach.

Causes & Risk Factors of Esophageal  Cancer :

*Age - Esophageal  cancer is more likely to occur as people get older, over age 60.

*Sex - Cancer of the esophagus is more common in men than in women.

*Tobacco / Alcohol Use - Chronic and/or heavy use of alcohol is another major risk factor.

*Barrett’s Esophagus –

*Medical History

Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal  Cancer :

Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: difficult or painful swallowing, severe weight loss, pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades, chronic cough, Vomiting and / or Coughing up blood.

Diagnosis of Esophageal  Cancer :

Barium Swallow or Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) X-rays

Upper Endoscopy for Esophageal Cancer

Endoscopic Ultrasound for Esophageal  Cancer

Bronchoscopy for Esophageal  Cancer

Positron Emission Tomography for Esophageal  Cancer

Thoracoscopy and Laparoscopy for Esophageal  Cancer

Biopsy for Esophageal  Cancer

Other diagnostic procedures include a CT Scan and an MRI