Esophagus cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus, a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. As the tumor grows, it may cause obstruction and make swallowing difficult. Eventually, the cancer may spread to lymph nodes and other organs (a process known as metastasis).

Our comprehensive multispecialty team diagnoses and treats more upper GI cancer cases than any other hospital in the region. High volumes also indicate better outcomes for more complicated surgical procedures.

Treatment options

Small, early-stage tumors benefit from certain treatments, while later-stage cancer may require more extensive surgery, targeted chemotherapy and radiation. Our comprehensive multispecialty team diagnoses and treats more upper GI cancer cases than any other hospital in the region. We perform approximately 30 major surgeries for esophageal cancer each year, and with these high volumes have improved patient and disease outcomes.

Barrx® radiofrequency ablation
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Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure where a wire is used to deliver high frequency radio waves that destroy damaged and cancerous tissues.

Chemotherapy
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This well-known cancer treatment uses medicines taken intravenously or by mouth to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink tumors, or after to fight cancer cells that have potentially spread.

Endocavity radiation therapy
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High-intensity radiation is delivered through a small device into a specific cancerous area. This allows some patients to avoid major surgery. It may be appropriate for some early rectal or esophageal cancers.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
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A procedure to remove early cancers or other abnormal tissues from the digestive tract.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
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This is an advanced endoscopic procedure used to remove tumors that have not entered the muscle layer.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
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A minimally invasive procedure using high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal organs. This procedure is meant to diagnose and assess digestive diseases.

Surgery
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This procedure removes the esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes. Depending on the location and stage, minimally invasive or open surgery may be used.

Polyp removal surgery
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A surgery designed specifically to remove growths or polyps in the affected area.

Radiation oncology
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A team of medical professionals with advanced training deliver radiation treatment and care.

Stent placements
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In some cases a stent may be placed within the esophagus to open an obstruction.

A Powerful Second Opinion

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