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Cancer of the Esophagus: An Overview |
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Our mission at Cancer Treatment Centers of America(CTCA) is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed choices about your cancer treatment options. CTCA will work with you to develop a comprehensive, individualized plan developed around your needs and designed to treat your cancer and how it affects you. An esophagus cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, not only for you, but also for your family and loved ones as well. That is why your multidisciplinary care team at CTCA will help you and your loved ones sort through the information overload that often accompanies your diagnosis. Your care team will ensure that you understand all of the options available to you and, with your input, will create a plan that addresses your particular needs during this difficult time.
If you are exploring your treatment options, and would like to learn more about the innovative approach CTCA takes to cancer treatment, call us today at 800-615-3055 or chat with us online about esophagus cancer.
General Esophagus Cancer Information
Esophagus cancer forms in the hollow, muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach and accounts for around 13,000 new diagnosis every year. The lining of the esophagus is the most common area for esophagus cancer to begin.
The two most common forms of cancer of the esophagus are as follows:
- Adenocarcinoma--Cancer that affects the glandular cells in the lower part of the esophagus, just above the stomach;
- Squamous cell carcinoma--Esophagus cancer that begins in the thin, flat cells lining the upper part of the esophagus, near the throat.
Risk Factors for Esophagus Cancer
Risk factors that can increase your chances of developing esophagus cancer include a history of gastric reflux, the backing up of stomach acids into the esophagus, which may lead to a condition known as Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus results from continual irritation, and consists of abnormal cells lining the esophagus, which can lead to adenocarcinoma. Long-standing heartburn can also lead to this cancer of the esophagus. However, it is important to remember that not everyone with chronic heartburn or Barrett's esophagus developers esophagus cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma has been conclusively linked to the use of tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco) and heavy drinking, as well as a number of environmental irritants, such as the solvents used in dry cleaning.
The most common esophagus cancer symptoms are painful, difficult swallowing, referred to as dysphagia, and weight loss. Other signs include a persistent pain behind the breastbone, hoarseness, a cough, and recurrent indigestion or heartburn. However, these can all be symptoms of other health conditions as well, so please visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. As with most cancers, early detection of esophagus cancer can greatly improve a patient's survival rate.
Esophagus cancer can be diagnosed using a variety of methods, including a barium swallow with x-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract, an upper endoscopy, in which a small tube equipped with a camera is inserted into the patient's esophagus, and other imaging and testing methods. In addition, Cancer Treatment Centers of America utilize innovative esophagus cancer detection tools such as Extreme Drug Resistance (EDR) assays, Gamma PET imaging, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI. Your CTCA care team uses these and other methods to help determine which treatments are most appropriate for your individual needs.
Treatment Methods for Esophagus Cancer
CTCA offers a number of esophagus cancer treatment methods, including conventional methods such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, accompanied by promising new treatments such as Photodynamic Therapy. Also referred to as PDT, Photodynamic Therapy is a relatively painless, outpatient treatment in which a light-activated drug is used in combination with laser light to effectively isolate and target tumors with little to no damage to surrounding, healthy tissue. The extent, or stage, of your disease along with your health in general are key factors in determining the appropriate combination of treatments.
Staging of esophagus cancer, determining the extent and progression of the disease, is essential in the creation of your comprehensive treatment plan. Cancer of the esophagus is staged using Roman numbers 0 through IV, with IV being the most widespread throughout the body.
At CTCA we integrate the most up-to-date conventional treatment methods with complementary or alternative esophagus cancer therapies, including nutritional therapy, pain management methods, naturopathic and mind-body medicines and spiritual support to create an individualized treatment plan designed around your specific needs. Your care team, consisting of a medical oncologist -- a surgical and radiation oncologist if necessary--with a personal care manager and expert complementary therapists, will meet with you to optimize your treatment program. At CTCA all of your treatment will take place under one roof, in a nurturing environment rarely found in medical care facilities.
At CTCA, we believe that it is your fundamental right to know about and be able to participate in creating the treatment plan that is best suited for you. Our core philosophy at CTCA puts you at the front and in the center of your care, exactly where you should be. Your multidisciplinary team of clinicians and therapists will listen to your needs and wishes, work with you to develop a personalized, integrative care plan, and rally around you to deliver care to both your body and soul. We are absolutely committed to helping you overcome esophagus cancer, and never stop searching for powerful and innovative therapies to help you toward that goal.
To learn more about treatment at CTCA, please call us today at 800-615-3055 and speak with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. They will listen to you and help you determine if CTCA is the right treatment facility based on your needs.
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