Cancers can grow in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube running from throat to stomach, where food and liquid travel to the stomach. These cancers can occur at any point in the esophagus, but in most cases, starts in the cells on the inner lining. Most often, in patients in the USA, the cancer starts in the lower portion of the esophagus, and women get this cancer at higher rates than men. At Beverly Hills Cancer Center, our team of highly-qualified cancer doctors are devoted to delivering some of the best esophageal cancer treatment Los Angeles has to offer.
This form of cancer can be suspected when the following symptoms arise:
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you are screened for esophageal cancer. As the early stages of the disease do not have signs or symptoms, the cancer may not be diagnosed until it has advanced. High risk patients should be screened periodically.
To diagnose cases of esophageal cancer, various testing methods will be employed. These can include:
This procedure involves the use of a long, thin tube being passed through your throat and into the esophagus. The tube has a lens that allow the doctor to see the inner portion of your throat, and to evaluate the area to determine if any signs of cancer are present.
Collecting a tissue sample for testing is accomplished with the endoscope. The tissue sample (or samples) are then laboratory-tested for the presence of cancerous tissue.
Depending upon the stage of the cancer, various treatments may be used. Many patients will have a combination of these treatments, based upon their individual condition.
Very small cancerous tumors can be removed, along with the surrounding tissue. This surgery, for early stage esophageal cancer, is performed using endoscopic surgery. In more advanced cases, a portion of your esophagus may be removed, as well as the nearby lymph nodes. The remaining section of the esophagus is then reattached to the stomach, performed by raising the stomach to meet that section. A more extensive surgery, esophagogastrostomy, involves removing a portion of the esophagus as well as the upper part of the stomach.
There are range of cancer-killing drugs that are used before and after surgery. The purpose is to kill the cancer cells, and shrink a tumor for surgery, and after surgery, to kill remaining cancer cells. The type of chemo used will vary, based upon the specific condition of the patient.
Radiation therapy is often employed in conjunction with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be used for patients who are suffering from a larger tumor, making it impossible for foods to pass into the stomach.
At Beverly Hills Cancer Center, our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to one goal – getting the patient well. Patients are often seen by multiple specialists at the same time to coordinate and implement complex treatments and make important health care decisions. Esophageal cancer treatment in Los Angeles at the BHCC provides all patients with world class concierge health care service.
To schedule an appointment, please call Beverly Hills Cancer Center in Beverly Hills, California at (877) 320-5131 or Click the link below to access our Online Appointment Request
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