Esophageal Cancer Surgery

esophageal cancer surgery

There are two main types of esophageal cancer. Both types are diagnosed, treated, and managed in similar ways. Both types begin in cells in the inner lining of the esophagus:

  • Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus: This type is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: This type is usually found in the upper part of the esophagus.

Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors

Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops esophageal cancer and another does not. However, we do know that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop esophageal cancer. Studies have found the following risk factors for esophageal cancer:

  • Age 65 or older
  • Being male
  • Smoking
  • Heavy drinking
  • Diet: Studies suggest that having a diet that is low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
  • Obesity
  • Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus
  • Barrett esophagus: Acid reflux may damage the esophagus and over time cause a condition known as Barrett esophagus. It is a greater risk factor than acid reflux alone.

Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Early esophageal cancer may not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, the most common symptoms are:

  • Food gets stuck in the esophagus, and food may come back up
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Pain in the chest or back
  • Weight loss
  • Heartburn
  • A hoarse voice or cough that doesn't go away within 2 weeks

Esophageal Cancer Treatment

People with esophageal cancer have several treatment options. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
The treatment that's right for you depends mainly on the following:

  • where the cancer is located within the esophagus
  • whether the cancer has invaded nearby structures
  • whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs
  • your symptoms
  • your general health

Esophageal cancer is hard to control with current treatments. For that reason, many doctors encourage people with this disease to consider taking part in a clinical trial, a research study of new treatment methods. Clinical trials are an important option for people with all stages of esophageal cancer.