Esophageal Cancer

You might not have any symptoms at first. That’s why esophageal cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages. One of the most common symptoms, though, is trouble swallowing. You might also have pain in your throat, hoarseness or a cough that won’t go away and heartburn. You might also lose weight when you don’t want to.

At your appointment, your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and will want to know what symptoms you have and how long you’ve had them. After a physical exam, your provider might do several tests to find esophageal cancer and see if the cancer has spread (which determines its stage). These tests may include:

• Chest X-ray.
• CT scan.
• Endoscopic ultrasound of your esophagus.
• Esophagram (barium swallow).
• MRI.
• PET scan.

We use the results of these tests to give the cancer a grade (how abnormal the tumor cells look). Our experts then use the cancer’s stage and grade to design a personalized treatment plan for you.

We may also use minimally invasive techniques like upper endoscopy and laparoscopy to get tissue samples (biopsy). Specialists look at these samples under a microscope to see if cancer cells are there.

Second Opinion for Esophageal Cancer at Cleveland Clinic

A cancer diagnosis is never easy. It can be shocking and stressful. After you take a moment to breathe and process your diagnosis, finding the best medical team to help you travel this road is the most important thing. Often a second opinion can help.

At Cleveland Clinic we’re ready to give that second opinion. We want to help you find answers to your questions. We’ll talk through treatment options and offer support. And because we know you need help right away, we’ll always try to schedule your appointment with us as soon as possible. A second opinion can give you peace of mind knowing you have the most capable and compassionate cancer care team on your side.

The esophageal cancer experts at Cleveland Clinic work together — and with you — to design a treatment plan specific to your needs. Depending on your cancer’s grade and stage, you may have:

Surgery

Many people with esophageal cancer have surgery. Our surgeons may take out either part or all of your esophagus during an esophagectomy. Depending on your specific health needs, you may have traditional (open) surgery or robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery.

Endoscopic procedures

Our experts use an instrument with a flexible tube, light and camera (endoscope) to look at your esophagus and take out the cancer. These minimally invasive procedures include:

• Endoscopic mucosal resection.
• Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for esophageal and gastric cancer.

Radiation therapy

We may use external beam radiation therapy to treat esophageal cancer. This treatment uses high-powered beams of radiation (usually X-rays) to kill cancer cells. Our experts may use radiation therapies to:

• Reduce tumor size before surgery.
• Act as the primary treatment to try to get rid of the cancer.
• Relieve symptoms caused by the cancer when cancer has spread (metastasized).

Systemic therapy for esophageal cancer

Systemic therapies work throughout your body to target cancer cells. Our medical oncologists use these powerful drugs to destroy cancer:

• Chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy.

Follow up Care for Esophageal Cancer at Cleveland Clinic

Depending on where the cancer is in your esophagus, esophageal cancer and its treatment can affect your ability to swallow, breathe and speak. We offer services and support, like nutrition counseling, speech therapy and palliative care to help you manage these side effects.

Taking the Next Step

Cancer is never part of anyone’s life plan. But if it’s reared its ugly head in your life, we’re there to help. Whether you’re facing a diagnosis already — or still at the wondering stage, thinking something’s wrong but not sure what — connecting with a Cleveland Clinic cancer expert as soon as possible is the first important step toward getting the answers and treatment you need.