Esophageal Cancer

The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Later, you may have symptoms such as

• Painful or difficult swallowing
• Weight loss
• A hoarse voice or cough that doesn’t go away

You’re at greater risk for getting esophageal cancer if you smoke, drink heavily, or have acid reflux. Your risk also goes up as you age

Your doctor uses imaging tests and a biopsy to diagnose esophageal cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. You might also need nutritional support, since the cancer or treatment may make it hard to swallow.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

• Coughing up blood (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Diet and eating after esophagectomy (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Esophageal cancer (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Esophagectomy – minimally invasive (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Esophagectomy – open (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Swallowing problems (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Understanding Chemotherapy – NIH – Easy-to-Read (National Cancer Institute) – PDF
• What to Know about Brachytherapy (A Type of Internal Radiation Therapy) – NIH – Easy-to-Read (National Cancer Institute) – PDF
• What to Know about External Beam Radiation Therapy – NIH – Easy-to-Read (National Cancer Institute) – PDF

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