Esophageal Cancer

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a disease that affects the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach through which food passes during swallowing. Cancer in this area of the body usually begins in the lining of the esophagus and travels deeper into the tissue over time as the lesion turns into a tumor.Tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake increase the risk of cancer in the upper esophagus (squamous cell cancer). Barrett’s Esophagus (which is linked to chronic acid reflux) is more likely to lead to cancer in the lower esophagus (adenocarcinoma)

esophageal cancer test

Signs and Symptoms

Unfortunately, the early stages of esophageal cancer don’t usually cause any noticeable symptoms. When the cancer has progressed to a later stage, patients may experience:

  • Dysphagia (difficulty or painful swallowing)
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Coughing
  • Hoarse throat
  • Heartburn or indigestion that worsens over time

Because this cancer is stealthy, it’s important to be tested if you have risk factors such as Barrett’s esophagus, smoking, or a family history of esophageal cancer.

Testing and Diagnosis

At the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, we perform two procedures that can visualize the esophagus. The EsoPill is a 20 minute in-office procedure in which you swallow a small video camera capsule. It sends images wirelessly to a monitor for later viewing. A more extensive evaluation and biopsy for definitive diagnosis can be done with an EGD (upper endoscopy). With this test, a small tube equipped with a video camera and biopsy tools is inserted into the esophagus. This is a quick outpatient procedure that requires mild sedation.

Typical Treatment

Treatment is determined by the stage of the cancer. Later stages of cancer may require extensive surgery up to, and including, removal of the esophagus. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be recommended for patients who cannot have surgery or whose cancer has spread outside the esophagus.

Additional Information

If Barrett’s esophagus (pre-cancerous tissue changes) is found, the abnormal areas can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure called radiofrequency ablation. This is a good reason to be screened early.