Cancer of Esophagus
There are two types of esophageal cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma:
- It is a type of cancer that forms in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells lining the esophagus.
- This cancer is most often found in the upper and middle part of the esophagus, but can occur anywhere along the esophagus.
- This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.
- Squamous cell carcinomas are often related to smoking and alcohol consumption
Adenocarcinoma:
- Is a type of cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the esophagus produce and release fluids such as mucus.
- Adenocarcinomas usually form in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. A subtype of stomach cancers is GE (gastro-esophageal) junction cancers, which can be categorized as either esophageal or stomach cancer.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain with swallowing (Odynophasia).
- Difficulty to swallow solid food (Dysphasia).
Loss of appetite (anorexia), and/or nausea and vomiting, Significant weight loss
CT scan of the chest and abdomen and perhaps a barium swallow is often ordered to evaluate the above symptoms.
Treatment:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy and radiation alone.
- Chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy, before surgery
After surgery, patient may require additional chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may also be needed, if it was not given before surgery.
If there is a suspicion of esophagus cancer, you may be referred to the Department of Gastroenterology for EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and possible EUS (endoscopic ultrasonography), with consideration of a biopsy.
Other tests may also be ordered, including other blood tests, such as a PET scan and other liver function tests.
Referral:
- Once a diagnosis of cancer has been confirmed, you will then be referred to thoracic oncology for further evaluation.
You may be referred to medical oncology, and/or radiation oncology after seeing the surgeon to discuss possible role of additional treatment before the surgery.
