Comprehensive Care for Esophageal Cancer

The Catholic Health Cancer teams offer advanced care for esophageal cancer - from early detection screenings to diagnosis and the most advanced treatment options. Our compassionate cancer experts support you at every step, including follow-up and survivorship care.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer affect parts of the digestive system, specifically the esophagus, the long tube that extends from the throat all the way to the stomach.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma – This cancer starts in the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the esophagus, and typically occurs in the upper and middle part of the esophagus (neck region).

Adenocarcinoma - This cancer originates in the glandular cells. These cells are in the lining of the esophagus and release fluids or mucus. Adenocarcinomas are more often found in the lower part of the esophagus, closer to the stomach.

Symptoms and Causes

Causes
Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer may include:

  • Painful or difficulty swallowing
  • Weight loss
  • Chest pain, pressure or burning
  • Hoarse voice and cough
  • Indigestion and heartburn
Risk factors for esophageal cancer include:
  • Smoking/Tobacco Use
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Obesity
  • Older Age – The risk increases as you age
Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that can also increase the risk of esophageal cancer. In this condition, the cells lining the lower esophagus have changed or become abnormal. Gastric reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the most common cause of Barrett’s esophagus. In some individuals, GERD may trigger changes in the cells lining the lower esophagus. 

How is Esophageal Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis will include a physical examination and a review of your health history. It often also includes imaging tests to look at the esophagus. A thin, flexible tube with a camera may be passed down the throat to see the esophagus and a sample of tissue may be taken for lab testing. Tests may include:

  • Barium swallow study
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • Biopsy

After an esophageal cancer diagnosis, a physician may perform other tests to see if the cancer has spread. These tests help to determine the extent of your cancer, called the stage. Other imaging tests may include, CT, MRI and positron emission tomography scans, also called PET scans.

Diagnostic Test

Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

Treatment

Esophageal Cancer Treatments

Treatment for esophageal cancer may vary depending on the stage of the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment may begin with surgery to remove the cancer. Surgical procedures to treat esophageal cancer include:

  • Endoscopic Resection — A procedure to remove the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it.
  • Esophagectomy — A surgery to remove the cancer and part of the esophagus.

Additional treatments may include the following methods or a combination of them:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted drug therapy
  • Immunotherapy

Treatment will depend on your health and individual situation and your physician will help you decide which option is best for you.

Find Cancer Care at Catholic Health

Catholic Health Cancer Institutes across Long Island provide the highest quality cancer care, close to home. You have convenient access to our compassionate cancer experts who deliver all cancer services, including screenings, diagnosis, treatment, support groups and follow-up/survivorship care.

 

Catholic Health Cancer Institutes

Good Samaritan Hospital Cancer Institute

The Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan University Hospital

West Islip, NY

Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital

The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital

East Hills, NY

St. Joseph Hospital

The Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Hospital

Bethpage, NY

Mercy Hospital

The Cancer Institute at Mercy Hospital

Rockville Centre, NY