Esophageal Cancer

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a growth of cells that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The disease occurs when genetic changes cause cells in the esophagus to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can invade nearby tissue or spread to other areas of the body.

This type of cancer often grows quickly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Being aware of the risk factors and symptoms can help people receive an earlier diagnosis. Our world-renowned esophageal cancer specialists offer the latest diagnostic techniques.

Esophageal cancer is more likely to be treated successfully when it is caught in its early stages, so patients should promptly contact their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms.

How Is Esophageal Cancer Diagnosed?

Esophageal cancer is usually found because of specific signs or symptoms that patients are experiencing. Early detection and diagnosis of esophageal cancer helps our UT Southwestern Medical Center team determine the best course of treatment for each patient.

Depending on the situation, diagnostic services might include:

Physical Examination and History

This visit includes a medical history to help the doctor understand possible risk factors and learn more about a patient’s symptoms.

During a physical examination, the doctor will pay special attention to the patient’s neck and chest to look for possible signs of esophageal cancer and other health problems.

Sophisticated Imaging

UT Southwestern’s radiology experts use the most advanced imaging techniques to help diagnose esophageal cancer.

These imaging modalities can include:

• Barium swallow (barium esophagography): The use of this chalky liquid in combination with X-rays can help physicians determine the cause of swallowing problems.
• Contrast enhanced or multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan: This technology helps physicians visualize the location and extent of esophageal cancer.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging technology helps physicians identify suspicious areas that could indicate esophageal cancer and learn if, and how far, it has spread.
• Positron emission tomography (PET): Cancer cells absorb large amounts of radioactive sugar that are used in this technique, and a special camera creates images of that radioactivity, enabling physicians to identify cancerous cells in the esophagus.
• Endoscopic ultrasonography: This technology maps sound waves to show physicians how deeply cancer has grown into the esophagus.

Other Diagnostic Tests

To get a more detailed understanding of esophageal cancer, our physicians might use additional diagnostic techniques that include:

• Esophagoscopy: A type of endoscopy that uses a lighted lens at the end of a thin tube to closely examine the esophagus
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample removed from suspected trouble spots for in-depth analysis by pathologists

Together, these diagnostic tools will help the esophageal cancer care team at UT Southwestern provide patients with the most appropriate, safest, and most individualized course of treatment.

How Is Esophageal Cancer Treated?

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, treatment for esophageal cancer is personalized for each patient through close collaboration among experts at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Depending on the cancer’s stage and location, care may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches.

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Esophageal Cancer?

UT Southwestern’s active clinical trials program gives patients with esophageal cancer access to new therapies that are unavailable at most other health care centers. The esophageal cancer team can help patients determine if they are eligible to participate in a clinical trial.