ESOPHAGEAL CANCER



Esophageal cancer forms malignant (cancerous) cells in the tissues of the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube which transports food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. The most common types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma originates in the flat cells which line the stomach. Adenocarcinoma originates in the cells which produce mucus and other liquids.

Tobacco smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol increase the risk of squamous cell esophageal cancer. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus can increase the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Our goal is to achieve the best treatment for esophageal cancer according to the genetic characteristics of each patient’s tumor.

SYMPTOMS of esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer can cause the following symptoms:
  • Pain or difficulty to swallow.
  • Weight loss.
  • Pain behind the breastbone.
  • Hoarseness and cough.
  • Indigestion and stomach acidity.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS to detect esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is diagnosed by means of tests that examine the esophagus:
  • Tomography of the thorax.
  • Chest X-ray.
  • Barium esophagram.
  • Esofagoscopy.
  • Biopsy.

TREATMENTS for esophageal cancer
There are different six types of standard treatment available for esophageal cancer patients: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, laser therapy, electrocoagulation.
New treatments are being tested in clinical trials: targeted therapies.
The probability of recovery from esophageal cancer is highest when it is detected in very early stages. However, this type of cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, when it can still be treated but rarely cured.