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Esophageal Cancer Treatment

Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be used in treatment of esophageal cancer.  Used after surgery, the intent of radiation therapy is to try to kill any remaining cancer cells that did not get removed. Chemotherapy may be used along with radiation.

Although surgery is an available treatment for esophageal cancer there are times when it may not be chosen due to the health risks involved or the extent of the cancer. If surgery is used, it may be used along with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Depending on the stage of the cancer the appropriate treatment will be selected.

Removal of all or part of the esophagus is called an esophagectomy.  If the cancer is located on the lower esophagus or near where the esophagus connects to the stomach, then a partial removal may be done.  If the cancer is located in the middle of the esophagus or closer to neck, then usually a total removal of the esophagus is required.  Lymph nodes of surrounding tissue will be removed as well and examined for cancerous cells (biopsy).

Radiation therapy is sometimes used as the main treatment for esophageal cancer.  Some physicians believe that when combined with chemotherapy it is as effective as surgery.  Radiation may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.  Brachytherapy is the implanting of small radioactive seeds within the esophageal tumor to shrink it and minimize difficulty swallowing.

Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery and radiation. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancerous cells. It may also be used to help control symptoms of difficulty swallowing and pain.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, they offer integrative, whole person care. Contact one of their representatives all day, every day by phone or online chat. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has Hospitals in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Zion Illinois, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Goodyear Arizona. For more information on their integrative treatment options for esophageal cancer, call today.

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