Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

DIAGNOSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER :

Barium Swallow or Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) X-rays
Upper Endoscopy for Esophageal Cancer
Endoscopic Ultrasound for Esophageal Cancer
Bronchoscopy for Esophageal Cancer
Positron Emission Tomography for Esophageal Cancer
Thoracoscopy and Laparoscopy for Esophageal Cancer
Biopsy for Esophageal Cancer
Other diagnostic procedures include a CT Scan and an MRI




TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER :

Surgery to remove the cancer
Two types of surgery are commonly performed for esophageal cancer. In one type of surgery, parts of the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes are removed, and the remaining portion of the esophagus is reconnected to the stomach. In the other surgery, part of the esophagus, nearby lymph nodes, and the top of the stomach are removed. The remaining portion of the esophagus is reconnected to the stomach.

Laser treatment and stents to relieve symptoms
Even if your esophageal cancer cannot be cured and if your cancer is blocking your oesophagus and making it difficult to swallow, Laser treatment may be used to clear any blockages. Or a tube called a stent is put in to allow food and drink to pass through.

Chemotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

Radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer


COMBINED CHEMTHERAPY AND REDIOTHERAPY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER :

If your cancer hasn't spread, but is difficult to remove, your doctor may suggest you have combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy.This treatment is designed to try to get rid of your cancer fully. Your doctor may also suggest this approach if you cannot have surgery for some reason, but your cancer could potentially be removed. It is quite an intensive treatment and there are side effects. It has proved to be particularly successful for squamous cell cancers that are nearer to the top of the oesophagus.



PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT):

This treatment involves the use of low powered lasers combined with a light sensitive drug to destroy cancer cells. PDT is a relatively new treatment. There are two situations where your doctor may suggest it.
1)As a treatment to try to prevent high grade Barrett's oesophagus developing into cancer 2) To destroy part of a tumour and improve swallowing when advanced oesophageal cancer is making this difficult.



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