Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer usually originates in the inner layers of the lining of the esophagus and grows outward. In time, the tumor can obstruct the passage of food and liquid, making swallowing painful and difficult. Since most patients are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease, esophageal cancer is associated with poor quality of life and low survival rates. Esophageal cancer is sometimes confused with mouth cancer, throat cancer and tongue cancer. However, esophageal cancer is completely different and it does not encompass mouth cancer, throat cancer and tongue cancer. There are two main types of esophageal cancers and these are: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer, accounting for 95% of all esophageal cancers worldwide. The esophagus is normally lined with thin, flat squamous cells that resemble tiny roof shingles. Adenocarcinoma has surpassed squamous cell carcinoma as the most common type of esophageal cancer. Adenocarcinoma originates in glandular tissue not normally present in the lining of the esophagus. Before adenocarcinoma can develop, glandular cells must replace a section of squamous cells. A very small fraction of esophageal cancers are melanomas, sarcomas, or lymphomas.

Treatments for Esophageal Cancer and Procedures

The main treatment for esophageal cancer is esophagectomy, a surgical procedure for the removal of tumor and tissues close to it. After the operation, the esophagus is shortened and the stomach is pulled toward the thorax to connect it with the remaining healthy part of the esophagus. After this operation the patient can still eat normally. If surgery cannot be done (because of the general state of the patient), the tumor can be destroyed using other methods such as:

Radiotherapy: Cancerous cells are destroyed by X-rays. It may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy as primary treatment, instead of surgery. Sometimes, radiotherapy is used prior to chemotherapy to reduce the size of a tumor.

Laser Therapy: A high-intensity light (laser) is used to destroy cancerous cells. This helps to reduce the size of the tumor, decrease the pain and the eliminate difficulties in swallowing due to tumor. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A particular kind of laser therapy in which a drug is administered to the patient and it is absorbed by cancerous cells. The doctor, then, exposes the drug -absorbed cancer cells to a laser, which activates the drug promoting it to destroy the cells.

After this check-up, the cancer can be classified according to the T.N.M. international classification for malignant tumors: wherein "T" describes the size of the tumor and whether it has invaded nearby tissue, "N" describes regional lymph nodes that are involved, and "M" describes distant metastasis (spread of cancer from one body part to another). This classification is useful to determine the best treatment for the patient. It is pertinent to note that treatment of esophageal cancer differs from mouth cancer treatment, tongue cancer treatment and throat cancer treatment. Apart from these regular treatments, certain alternative methods are also available, which include homeopathic cancer treatments and natural caner treatments. These are gaining popularity at a fast pace.

Technology used for Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Similar to all cancers, treatment for esophageal cancer uses latest technologies. Advanced technology has made it possible both to detect esophageal cancer earlier and devise the best treatment options. Multiple imaging tools, including intravenous pyelogram (IVP), ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans, radiotherapy, laser therapy and photodynamic therapy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provide very detailed images of the esophagus, uncovering masses and a llowing physicians to precisely tailor treatment options and recommendations.

Achievements Experts
The oncology clinic is comprised of physicians dedicated to treating esophageal cancer and metastases to the system with the latest technology. Because our physicians are specialists in oncology, hematology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and esophageal cancer treatment, you can rest assured you're receiving the best care available. We work with specialists in other areas of care when necessary to give you a comprehensive approach to treatment of esophageal cancer. OMEGA offers the latest and most advanced cancer treatments in India.