Esophageal cancer

Alternative names:

cancer of the esophagus

Treatment:

Surgical or endoscopic treatment (using an endoscope, which is a device with a light that can be used to look at the inside of a body cavity) can alleviate some of the symptoms. The esophagus may be dilated and prosthetic tubes may be inserted to aid with swallowing. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may improve the course of the disease and length of survival.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

The probable outcome is poor, with a 5 to 10% cure rate. Early detection may improve the chance of a good outcome. The early stage of the disease may rarely be cured by partial surgical removal (resection).

Complications:

• severe weight loss resulting from inadequate food intake
• spread of the tumor to other areas of the body

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if difficulty with swallowing persists that is not attributed to other causes, or if other symptoms develop that may indicate esophageal cancer.