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A nationally-published, award-winning journalist, Alex Biese joined the CURE team as an assistant managing editor in April 2023. Prior to that, Alex's work was published in outlets including the Chicago Sun-Times, MTV.com, USA TODAY and the Press of Atlantic City. Alex is a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and also performs at the Jersey Shore with the acoustic jam band Somewhat Relative.
A diagnosis of esophageal cancer can bring up many questions and concerns. Our goal is to provide you with clear, accurate and educational information.
A diagnosis of esophageal cancer can bring up many questions and concerns. Our goal is to provide you with clear, accurate and educational information to help you understand your diagnosis and partner effectively with your oncologist throughout your treatment journey.
Esophageal cancer begins in the esophagus, the long, muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach and moves swallowed food down for digestion.
There are two main types of esophageal cancer, classified by the cells involved:
Early-stage esophageal cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the cancer grows, the most common symptom is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, as one expert explained in an interview with CURE.
“One of the most common presenting symptoms of patients with esophageal cancer is dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing,” said Dr. Nataliya Uboha. “It is not infrequent that patients initially consult their primary care providers with seemingly common symptoms such as heartburn and are treated with antacid medications. However, these symptoms ultimately progress and do not respond to treatment, leading patients to present with weight loss and an inability to swallow, especially solid food.”
Uboha is a medical oncologist at UW Health, as well as an associate professor and researcher in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Other possible symptoms include unintentional weight loss, pain in the chest or back, hoarseness, and persistent coughing.
The journey to diagnosis involves several tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage (how far it has spread). Staging is critical because it guides the treatment plan.
If cancer is confirmed, further imaging and procedures are performed to determine the stage:
Treatment for esophageal cancer is highly individualized and depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Treatment is often a combination of therapies.
Surgery, specifically an esophagectomy (removal of part or all of the esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes), is a common treatment for earlier-stage cancer. The remaining healthy esophagus is reconnected to the stomach.
These treatments are often used to shrink a tumor before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy), to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery (adjuvant therapy) or as the main treatment if surgery isn’t an option.
For advanced cancers or to manage symptoms, your oncologist may recommend:
Cancer treatments can be tough on the body. Your oncology team will work with you to anticipate and manage side effects.
This overview should serve as a foundation for your discussions with your oncologist. The most important thing is open communication.
Remember, you are the most important member of your health care team. By staying informed and asking questions, you ensure that your treatment aligns with your goals and quality of life.
Editor’s Note: This guide is designed to be a starting point. Your personal experience will be unique. By using this information as a foundation for your discussions, you can partner with your oncologist to make the best decisions for your health.
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