Generally Speaking

What is the prevalence of esophageal cancer and how is it diagnosed?

In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates about 16,470 new cases of esophageal cancer diagnosed in 2008. Men are more likely than women to get this type of cancer, nearly 80% of people diagnosed are between the ages of 55 and 80, and esophageal cancer is twice as prevalent in African Americans.

Blood tests and imaging tests, including chest x-rays and barium swallows, may be performed to determine if symptoms indicate esophageal cancer. If cancer is suspected, a physician will most often order an upper endoscopy. In this procedure a thin, lighted tube with a video camera at the end is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus to look for abnormal areas. A biopsy of any abnormal areas is usually performed during the endoscopy.

How is esophageal cancer surgically treated?
Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer of the esophagus. Several different surgical procedures can be performed to treat esophageal cancer including traditional open surgery, laparoscopic esophageal surgery, and robotic assisted surgery. A surgeon, as a part of the medical team of physicians, will discuss the best treatment options with each patient. The type of surgery performed takes into consideration staging, location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health.

Open surgery, called an esophagectomy, is the most commonly performed operation to remove cancer from the esophagus. A surgeon removes the affected portion of the esophagus and the stomach is pulled up and joined to the remaining healthy esophagus. If there is blockage in the esophagus from a tumor, a stent may be placed inside the esophagus to help keep it open. During the esophagectomy, lymph nodes near the esophagus may be removed to test for the presence of cancer.

Are there any emerging trends for surgical treatment of esophageal cancer?
Due to recent improvements in laparoscopic esophageal surgery, a minimally invasive technique, it is being used in more routinely in esophageal cancer cases. Laparoscopic esophagectomy can reduce recovery time, complications and scarring. However, this procedure is not the best option for every patient. A surgeon, in conjunction with the medical team will determine if laparoscopic surgery is a treatment option.

The latest advance in esophageal cancer surgery is robotic assisted surgery. An alternative to open and laparoscopic surgery, it allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through very small incisions. With increased magnification and three dimensional imaging, surgeons can operate with dexterity, visualization, precision and control.

Coming Soon

To Be Annoumced