Esophageal Cancer
in Denver

What is Esophageal Cancer?

The esophagus is the passage that food and liquids travel through to reach the stomach. Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus. It commonly begins in the cells that line the esophagus, though it can occur anywhere along the esophagus.

Common symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Chest pain, burning, or pressure.
• Worsening of heartburn or indigestion.
• Coughing.
• Unintentional weight loss.

What Causes Esophageal Cancer?

When abnormal cells begin to grow out of control in the esophageal tissue, esophageal cancer can occur. These cells can form a mass called a tumor. Overall, there are two types of esophageal cancer, including:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Originates in the cells that line the esophagus, and is usually located in the upper and middle part of the esophagus.

Adenocarcinoma

Develops in the tissue that creates mucus that helps with swallowing. It commonly occurs in the lower part of the esophagus.

There are certain risk factors for esophageal cancer, including older age, being male, regular use of tobacco and alcohol, having Barrett’s esophagus or acid reflux or diagnosis with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

How is Esophageal Cancer Diagnosed?

There are a number of tests and procedures that can be used to diagnose esophageal cancer. These may include one or a combination of a barium swallow study, an endoscopy or a biopsy of your esophageal tissue. Your provider will determine which tests are appropriate for diagnosis in your individual case. If cancer is diagnosed, your provider may then recommend additional testing to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Esophageal Cancer Treatment Options

Surgery

There are different operations that can be used to treat esophageal cancer, including surgery to remove small tumors, surgery to remove a portion of the esophagus and surgery to remove part of the esophagus and the upper part of your stomach.

Radiation Therapy

This treatment uses high-powered energy beams like X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes, radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy after surgery if cancer could not be completely removed.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy fast-growing cancer cells. It can be administered through a vein in your arm, in pill form or both.

Targeted Drug Therapy

These treatments pinpoint specific weaknesses present in cancer cells, killing them. Targeted drug therapy may be a good option for those with advanced esophageal cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy drug treatment helps your immune system to fight cancer, and is often a good option for treating advanced esophageal cancer.

The front staff was immediately attentive as soon as I walked in. The nurses and PAs were professional and very nice, and the doctors were even better. The procedure went smoothly and could not have gone better. Of course, having positive lab results makes it easier to post a glowing report but I got the impression that if I had been diagnosed differently, they would have taken care of me with the same kindness and dedication.

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These people were all extremely professional and kind. The bedside manner from all staff was great and they were thorough with all information. Medical stuff is hard to deal with, but with people like this, the discomfort was eased. I highly recommend this office to anyone needing this type of help.

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Professional and respectful from the get-go. Very efficient systems in place, courteous admin staff and extremely helpful and caring nursing staff. No one likes to have these tests, but this is a good place to be if you have to have them.

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