What is Esophageal Cancer, and How is it Treated?

Esophageal cancer forms in the glandular tissue of the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach

Esophageal cancer forms in the glandular tissue (adenocarcinoma) of the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach (esophagus). What causes it? Esophageal adenocarcinoma is believed to be caused by stomach acid refluxing into the lower esophagus constantly over time. This causes cellular damage and inflammation that, if left untreated, can worsen into Barrett’s esophagus, precancerous dysplasia, and then cancer.

There is a strategy in the United States and Europe for preventing deaths from esophageal adenocarcinoma. It has been to screen patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERD) and risks factors for esophageal cancer to identify those with Barrett’s Esophagus. Then, perform an upper endoscopy exam on those patients with Barrett’s esophagus at regular times to identify curable dysplasia and early esophageal cancer.

Despite this approach, the occurrence of Barrett’s esophagus has increased over 50% and the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has gone up 200% in recent decades. Advances in cancer treatment, screening, and behavioral changes have led to a drop in U.S. cancer death rate of 35%. However, the death rate from esophageal cancer has increased over the same period.

At Saint Alphonsus we assembled a team of experts in treating esophageal cancer. We use the best available treatment procedures and most advanced surgical and endoscopic techniques. Our patients receive personalized treatment plans based on their stage of cancer and tumor biomarkers. Advances in minimally invasive surgical treatment options have led to faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and more complete surgeries with higher lymph node harvests and dramatically reduced blood loss. One of these techniques includes the DaVinci robotic esophagectomy, performed through tiny incisions in the chest and abdomen, In addition, immunotherapy treatments are a new form of therapy that can improve the survival rate of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. We are also applying new techniques for screening patients for Barrett’s esophagus. This includes a 5-minute test that can be done in the office.

We are committed to caring for patients with esophageal cancer. Our focus on state-of-the-art screening and early detection, personalized care plans, minimally invasive robotic and endoscopic treatment, and new treatment protocols including immunotherapy are making a difference in our patients' lives.

Dr. Christopher Reising, MD, FACS is a general surgeon at Saint Alphonsus. He has more than 20 years of experience, focusing on robotics and minimally invasive surgery.

For additional information about Robotic Surgery, click here and also read Dr. Reising's other blog here.