Esophageal Cancer

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a serious type of cancer that typically starts in the cells that line the esophagus, the long tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer diagnoses are on the rise in the U.S. 

Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Since early detection is the key to better health outcomes, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and warning signs of esophageal cancer:

If ordinary functions like eating and drinking feel different, or you notice you have trouble swallowing or experience increased indigestion, your body may be trying to tell you something. Contact your Mercy doctor to rule out or confirm an esophageal cancer diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment could save your life.

Expert and Compassionate Care from Mercy

The doctors at Mercy offer the latest treatment options and leading-edge technology to treat esophageal cancer. From early screening to advanced surgical techniques to supportive therapies, Mercy’s compassionate care team will walk beside you on your care journey and guide you through every step. 

Esophageal cancer is treated by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, including gastroenterologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. These specialists work together to provide comprehensive treatment.

Causes of Esophageal Cancer

Doctors and researchers usually point to lifestyle choices as strong factors in developing esophageal cancer. These factors include:

Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Screening

There are currently no standard esophageal cancer screenings recommended for the general population, but tests are available for high-risk individuals. That’s why it’s important to understand your risk factors, such as having a family history of esophageal cancer or conditions like chronic acid reflux (GERD) or Barrett's esophagus. Smoking, heavy drinking and obesity can also increase your risk.

Mercy offers genetic testing, which looks for inherited gene changes, or mutations, that can increase your cancer risk. By identifying these mutations, you can better manage your health and cancer screenings to minimize your risk. Learn how Mercy’s genetic testing can help you.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

There are three kinds of esophageal cancer. They each begin with different types of cells, develop in distinct ways and require a specific approach to treatment. The three types are:

• Adenocarcinoma
  This common form of esophageal cancer starts in the glandular cells, which are different from the lining of the esophagus. Doctors typically find this cancer at the lower end of the esophagus and upper part of the stomach.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  This type of esophageal cancer begins when squamous cells (thin, flat cells that line the inside of the esophagus) begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of esophageal cancer and is strongly linked to overconsuming alcohol and smoking.
• Small Cell Carcinoma
  This third type of esophageal cancer is rarer than the others. It begins inside of neuroendocrine cells, a type of cell that releases hormones into the bloodstream. 

Treatment Options for Esophageal Cancer 

There are many options available for the effective treatment of esophageal cancer, and your Mercy care team may include experts from several different specialties, including oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists and other specialists. Treatments are customized to your specific needs and may include: 

• Surgery - Esophagectomy
  This type of surgery removes part or all of the esophagus and is often combined with reconstruction using part of the stomach or intestine.
• Radiation Therapy
  This type of esophageal cancer begins when squamous cells (thin, flat cells that line the inside of the esophagus) begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of esophageal cancer and is strongly linked to overconsuming alcohol and smoking.
• Proton Therapy
  Mercy offers this newer type of radiation therapy that can precisely target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, leading to fewer side effects and improved outcomes.
• Chemotherapy
  This therapy uses cancer-fighting drugs given orally or through an IV to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted Therapy
  This therapy kills cancer cells using drugs that target specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth (e.g., HER2 protein).
• Triple Therapy Options
  This treatment involves using chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to maximize treatment effectiveness.
• Immunotherapy
  This therapy uses the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Genomic Analysis and Testing
  Mercy is a leader in precision medicine, which includes next-generation genomic testing. This testing can help your doctor choose more effective treatment options based on the specific genetic profile of your cancer.
• Palliative Care
  Palliative care helps coordinate care, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for you and your care partners. 

Patient-Focused Care Makes the Difference

Choosing Mercy can make all the difference in your care journey. Mercy empowers you with in-depth information about your condition and keeps you informed about the newest technologies to fight your disease.

We customize your treatment plan and provide you with the emotional support you need in difficult times. At Mercy, our team is focused on you — your care, your comfort and your best possible health outcome.