Cancer of the Esophagus Treatment

Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the results of tests and your underlying health.

• People with advanced heart or lung disease may not be candidates for aggressive therapy.



• In many cases, the esophageal cancer has advanced too far for any available treatment to work.
  
  
  • In these cases, the doctor considers the following procedures:
    
    
    • Placing a metal or plastic tube (stent) in the esophagus to allow passage of food and liquids
    
    
    
    • Radiation therapy
    
    
    
    • Photodynamic therapy
    
    
    
    • Widening the esophagus or laser destruction of the esophageal tumor
  
  
  • In otherwise healthy people with localized disease, surgery may offer the best chance at long-term survival.
    
    
    • Surgery involves removing the diseased portion of the esophagus and connecting the remaining portion to the stomach.
    
    
    
    • Preoperative chemotherapy and radiation often accompany surgery.
    
    
    
    • Studies now under way will determine whether combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy without surgery is as effective as surgery in lengthening long-term survival.

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Esophageal Cancer - Symptoms and Signs

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