Treatment of Esophageal Cancer Patient Information

General Information

What is cancer of the esophagus?

Cancer of the esophagus is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the esophagus. The esophagus is the hollow tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.

The most common sign of cancer of the esophagus is difficulty swallowing. Pain may be felt when swallowing or pain may be felt from behind the breastbone.

If there are symptoms, a doctor will usually do a special x-ray called a barium swallow. For this test the patient drinks a liquid containing barium, which makes the esophagus easier to see in the x-ray. This test is usually done in a doctor's office.

A doctor may also look at the inside of the esophagus with a thin, lighted tube called a esophagoscope. This test is called an esophagoscopy. For the test, the esophagoscope is passed through the mouth and down the throat into the esophagus. Before the test, a local anesthetic (a substance that causes temporary loss of feeling) is applied to the throat so no pain is felt. This test is usually done in a doctor's office. If the doctor sees tissue that does not look normal, he or she will remove a small piece of tissue so it can be looked at under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. This is called a biopsy. Biopsies are usually done during the esophagoscopy while the anesthetic is still working so no pain is felt. Sometimes a biopsy may show changes in the esophagus that are not cancer but may lead to cancer.

The chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the stage of the cancer (whether it is just in the esophagus or if it has spread to other places) and the patient's general state of health.

 Back to Content Page                           <<Back                         Next>>