Esophageal cancer is a cancer that originates in the esophagus. The esophagus is a long tube that connects the throat to the stomach, allowing food a direct route into the stomach for digestion. Esophageal cancer can start anywhere along the esophagus and usually begins along the cell wall that lines the inside of the esophageal tube. With modern technologies, there are many treatments for esophageal cancer, ranging from surgery to radiation.
Surgical Options
The first surgical option for early staged esophageal cancer entails the removal of small tumors from the esophagus. This surgery depends on the advancement of the cancer in the esophagus. If there is only one tumor, the likelihood of wide spread cancer is very low; a surgeon may opt to remove solely the tumor, leaving the esophagus as intact as possible. If more tumors are found, but spreading does not appear to be deep in the esophageal lining, a doctor may opt to remove the tumors and some of the surrounding healthy tissues for added assurance. This surgery is usually performed using an endoscope (tube utensil with a camera and cutting utensil at the tip) inserted through the throat and into the esophagus, creating access to the cancer. Side effects include discomfort in throat and esophagus; however, pain resolves as the incisions heal.
Esophagectomy is a more aggressive procedure. This entails removal of part of the esophagus. Sometimes, if necessary, some lymph nodes are removed as well, depending on the cancer's severity. The remaining esophagus is connected back to the stomach by bringing the stomach up or by using parts of the colon to connect the esophagus back to the stomach. Side effects for this procedure can range from infection, bleeding, and leakage of digestive acids and foods to other parts of the body. Most procedures are performed successfully; however, these are the risks due to the nature of the procedure.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that targets the cancer cells within the body. Chemotherapy is used either alone for treatment of extremely early stage cancer, after surgery or before surgery. The use of chemotherapy depends directly on you and your doctor. In cases of extremely advanced cancers, chemotherapy is used to kill some cancer cells and relieve symptoms of the tumors.
Radiation therapy entails administering high frequency energy beams to tumors or locations of cancerous cells; the high frequencies kill the cancer cells. Radiation either comes from a machine outside the body or directly on the tumor via brachytherapy. Brachytherapy entails placing small radioactive pellets on the tumor, providing time released cancer treatment.
Radiation and chemotherapy are sometimes used in conjunction. The use of these two treatment methods together might increase the success rate of these two treatment options.
The use of these treatment options depends on you and your doctor. Treatment can depend on person to person, discuss these options thoroughly with your doctor to decide which treatment is best for the severity of cancer.
Tags: cancer cells, these treatment, your doctor, back stomach, entails removal
