What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer begins in the inner lining of the esophagus and can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not treated early. There are two main types:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Originates in the flat cells lining the upper and middle esophagus.
Adenocarcinoma: Develops from glandular cells near the lower part of the esophagus, often linked to acid reflux or Barrett’s esophagus.
Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
Symptoms typically do not appear until the cancer is advanced. Some common signs include:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Unexplained weight loss
Chest or throat pain
Hoarseness or chronic cough
Indigestion or heartburn
Vomiting blood or black stools
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer:
Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Barrett’s esophagus
Obesity
Poor diet low in fruits and vegetables
History of esophageal injury or radiation
Diagnostic Services at Chavan Hospital
Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to successful treatment. At Chavan Hospital, we use advanced tools and technologies for detecting esophageal cancer:
Upper Endoscopy (EGD): A flexible tube with a camera to view the esophagus and collect biopsy samples.
Biopsy: Microscopic examination of tissue to confirm cancer.
CT Scan, PET Scan & MRI: To assess the spread of cancer.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Helps determine how deep the cancer has penetrated.
Staging of Esophageal Cancer
Staging helps guide the best treatment approach:
Stage 0: Abnormal cells found in the inner lining (precancerous)
Stage I: Tumor confined to the inner layers
Stage II: Tumor invades deeper layers or nearby lymph nodes
Stage III: Tumor has spread to surrounding tissues or more lymph nodes
Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs
Esophageal Cancer Treatment at Chavan Hospital
At Chavan Hospital, our multidisciplinary team creates individualized treatment plans based on the cancer stage, type, and patient condition.
1. Surgery
Esophagectomy: Removal of part or all of the esophagus, often combined with stomach reconstruction.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Laparoscopic or thoracoscopic approaches for quicker recovery and fewer complications.
2. Chemotherapy
Systemic drug treatment used to kill cancer cells.
Often used before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery, or for advanced cancer.
3. Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells.
May be combined with chemotherapy for better effectiveness.
4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Targeted Therapy: Blocks the growth of cancer cells by targeting specific proteins.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to attack cancer cells—used in advanced or recurrent cases.
5. Palliative Care
Focuses on symptom management, pain relief, and improving the quality of life in advanced stages.
Supportive Services at Chavan Hospital
Our approach to cancer care includes holistic support for the patient and their family:
Nutrition counseling to help maintain weight and strength
Speech and swallowing therapy
Psychological counseling
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
Post-surgical follow-up and surveillance