Esophageal Cancer Therapy

Esophageal cancer describes any cancer that occurs in the esophagus, which connects the mouth and stomach. Esophageal cancer typically starts in the cells that line the esophagus and protect it. Esophageal cancer can begin anywhere in the esophagus, but it most commonly begins in the lower portion of the esophagus. Major risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking and acid reflux.

Tumor Removal

• If the esophageal cancer has not spread very far, a surgeon may be able to remove the tumor and the healthy tissue near the margins of the tumor to ensure that the entire tumor has been removed.

Removal of Esophagus

• If the cancer has spread throughout the esophagus, the entire esophagus may be removed, along with the upper part of the stomach.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy can also be used to poison the esophageal cancer cells. Chemotherapy can either be given orally or intravenously.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy uses high energy X-ray beams which can be directed at the tumor cells in the esophagus, killing the cancerous cells and shrinking the tumor.

Alternative Treatments

• Some people find alternative medicine to relive some of the pain and nausea that can occur with esophageal cancer.