Esophagus Cancer
Esophageal cancer often does not have symptoms in the early stages. If you have symptoms, they may include:
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Difficult or painful swallowing (dysphagia)
- Pain, pressure or burning in the throat or chest
- Weight loss, less appetite
- Black tar-like stools
- Anemia
- Vomiting
- Hoarseness
Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis
BASIL's experts use the most advanced technology and techniques to pinpoint esophageal cancer. Precise diagnosis often improves your chances for successful treatment. Since esophageal cancer often does not have symptoms in early stages, it may be found during procedures or tests for other conditions.
Esophageal Cancer Diagnostic Tests
If you have symptoms that may signal esophageal cancer, your doctor will examine you and ask you questions about your health; your lifestyle, including smoking and drinking habits; and your family medical history.
One or more of the following tests may be used to find out if you have esophageal cancer and if it has spread. These tests also may be used to find out if treatment is working.
Imaging tests, which may include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- PET (positron emission tomography) scans
Biopsy
One of the following methods may be used to biopsy tissue to find out if you have esophageal cancer:
Esophagoscopy
An endoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose into the esophagus. The doctor looks at the esophagus and removes small pieces of tissue.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or endosonography
An endoscope is inserted through an opening in the body, usually the mouth or rectum. At the end of the tube are a light, a tiny camera and a device that sends out ultrasound (high-energy sound) waves to make images of internal organs.
Video endoscopy
An endoscope with a special fiber-optic camera is inserted through the mouth, allowing the doctor to view the esophagus and biopsy the suspicious area.
Bronchoscopy
Using a tool called a bronchoscope, which is similar to the endoscope, the doctor looks at the trachea (windpipe) and the tubes that go into the lungs.
Laryngoscopy
With a tool called a laryngoscope, which is similar to the endoscope, the doctor examines the larynx (voice box).
Thoracoscopy
A small incision is made between two ribs, and an instrument called a thoracoscope is inserted through it into the chest. The thoracoscope is similar to the endoscope. It lets the doctor view and biopsy the lymph nodes inside the abdomen and chest.
Esophageal Cancer Treatment
Studies have shown that people have better outcomes if treated at specialized center. We have one of the most active esophageal cancer programs in the south Gujarat.
If you are diagnosed with esophageal cancer, your doctor will discuss the best options to treat it. This depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer and your general health. Your treatment for esophageal cancer will be customized to your particular needs. One or more of the following therapies may be recommended to treat the cancer or help relieve symptoms.
Surgery
This is the most common treatment for esophageal cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes. The procedure most often performed is an esophagectomy, and there are several methods to perform it. Your doctor will recommend the best technique for you based on the location of the tumor and if it has spread.
Generally, the surgery includes removal of:
- All or part of the esophagus
- Part of the stomach
- Lymph nodes that are close to the esophagus
The remaining stomach is pulled up into the chest or neck and connected to the remaining esophagus. You may need a feeding tube (a small tube that is inserted into the nose or mouth and into the stomach) until you are able to eat.
Side effects of the surgery may include:
- Leaking at the site where the stomach and esophagus are joined. This may mean the stomach empties slowly, causing nausea and vomiting.
- Trouble swallowing: An upper endoscopy to stretch passages may help
- Heartburn
- Digestive problems: You may be able to eat only small amounts of food at a time
To treat more-advanced stages of esophageal cancer, surgery may be combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapy
New radiation therapy techniques allow to target tumors more precisely, delivering the maximum amount of radiation with the least damage to healthy cells.
