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Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus — the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach — and can make swallowing difficult or uncomfortable. When detected early, it may be treated more effectively. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors can help you know when to talk with a doctor and explore your treatment options.
At Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center, our thoracic oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer and work closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalized care plans.
If you are experiencing concerning symptoms or have been diagnosed and would like to discuss treatment options, call our oncology scheduling specialists at 317-621-2627 or request an appointment online.
Esophageal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the esophagus and form a tumor. In some cases, the cancer can grow through the lining into deeper layers of the esophageal wall. Although it is less common than some other cancers, it is a serious condition and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
The two most common types of esophageal cancer are:
Less common forms of esophageal cancer include neuroendocrine tumors and lymphoma.
Your risk of developing esophageal cancer may be higher if you:
Other, less common factors may also increase risk. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk, especially if you have ongoing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or persistent heartburn.
*For help with quitting smoking, call 800-QUIT-NOW or visit https://quitnowindiana.com.
Symptoms of esophageal cancer may not appear early on. As the cancer grows, it can begin to affect swallowing, digestion and overall comfort.
Early symptoms may include:
As esophageal cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions and do not necessarily mean cancer. However, if symptoms do not improve or continue to worsen over time, it’s important to talk with your doctor for evaluation.
To diagnose esophageal cancer, your provider will start with a physical exam and review your medical history. If esophageal cancer is suspected, additional tests may be recommended to examine the esophagus more closely and confirm a diagnosis.
Common tests may include:
If abnormal tissue is found, your care team may take a small sample (biopsy) to confirm whether cancer is present. Additional imaging tests may also be used to determine the stage of the disease and help guide treatment planning.
What to expect from your treatment plan:
In some cases, esophageal cancer may be treated using minimally invasive surgery, including procedures such as esophagectomy to remove tumors in the esophagus.
This approach can help reduce pain, shorten recovery time and improve overall outcomes. Our thoracic oncologists are specially trained in these advanced techniques.
Your care team will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
Our thoracic surgeons are experts in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer and other complex diseases of the chest, using advanced minimally invasive and robotic techniques whenever possible. All our surgeons are Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center providers, offering patients innovative cancer treatment close to home in Central Indiana.
Dr. Rachit Gupta specializes in minimally invasive thoracic oncology and is an expert in lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal malignancies and benign thoracic diseases. He can perform robotic resections of thoracic malignancies in all of these areas.
Dr. Gupta is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS).
Dr. Kenneth Kesler specializes in thoracic surgical oncology and is an expert in lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal malignancies, and benign thoracic diseases. Prior to joining Community Health Network, Dr. Kesler was the surgical director of the Indiana University Thoracic Oncology Program, professor of surgery, and a faculty mentor to general and thoracic surgery residents.
Dr. Kesler is a fellow of American College of Surgeons and a member of various societies, including American College of Chest Physicians, American Association for Thoracic Surgeons, American Society of Clinical Oncology, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.
Dr. Joshua Preiss specializes in thoracic oncology with a focus on minimally invasive (VATS) and robotic thoracic surgery. He is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant conditions of the chest, lung, esophagus and mediastinum. His passions include working with cancer patients to develop and execute a successful care plan. Dr. Preiss is a Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center provider.
Dr. Preiss has trained under world experts in thoracic oncology which has translated into many years of independent experience in providing safe and effective surgical care for complex thoracic pathology. Dr. Preiss is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Dr. Pulikal’s primary clinical interests are in minimally invasive general thoracic surgery via VATS and robotics. This includes anatomic lung resection and esophagectomy for benign and malignant disease. Dr. Pulikal is proficient in surgical management of complex primary mediastinal tumors, chest wall resection and reconstruction, and thoracic trauma.
Dr. Ashish Pulikal completed an integrated residency in cardiothoracic surgery and was administrative chief resident at UNC. He has been a member of the surgical simulation center at UNC teaching multiple courses for medical students, nurses and APPs in bedside and operating room surgical thoracic care.
