Oesophageal Cancer Treatment in Indore

Oesophageal Cancer – Detailed Description

Oesophageal cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the oesophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It can interfere with swallowing and digestion and may spread to nearby tissues or distant organs if untreated. There are two main types:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – arises from the cells lining the upper and middle oesophagus; more common in smokers and heavy drinkers.

Adenocarcinoma – arises from glandular cells, usually in the lower oesophagus; often associated with chronic acid reflux or Barrett’s oesophagus.

Causes & Risk Factors

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Barrett's oesophagus, or precancerous changes due to acid reflux

Smoking and tobacco use

Excessive alcohol consumption

Obesity

Poor diet (few fruits and vegetables)

Male gender, age over 50

Symptoms

Oesophageal cancer often progresses very slowly, with symptoms appearing in rather late stages:

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) most common symptom

Unintentional weight loss

Chest or back pain

Heartburn or indigestion

Persistent cough or hoarseness

Vomiting or regurgitation of food

Fatigue of anaemia origin/aetiology (resulting from bleeding)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis encompasses several tests:

Endoscopy (esophagoscopy), a diagram illustrates the oesophagus and allows biopsy

Barium swallow X-ray - shows structural abnormalities

EUS (endoscopic ultrasound)-evaluates the depth of tumour invasion and lymph node involvement

CT, PET, or MRI scans - look for metastasis

Biopsy to confirm the type of cancer

Overview of Treatment

Treatment depends on stage, location, tumour type, and patient health. Early-stage cancer can sometimes be cured, while advanced stages require a combination of therapies.

1. Surgery

Esophagectomy - removal of part or all of the oesophagus

Reconstruction of the oesophagus using stomach or intestine

Lymph node removal to evaluate the extent of spread

2. Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation is used to shrink tumours or destroy remaining cancer cells

Often combined with chemotherapy to achieve efficiency.

3. Chemotherapy

Used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumour or after surgery (adjuvant) to kill residual cells

Common drugs: cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, carboplatin

4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

HER2-positive tumours may respond to trastuzumab

Immunotherapy may be used in advanced or metastatic disease with checkpoint inhibitors.

5. Palliative Care

For advanced cases, these improve the quality of life.

Includes stenting to widen the oesophagus to eliminate discomfort in swallowing

Pain control, nutritional support, and alleviation of symptoms

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on stage at diagnosis, cancer type, and response to treatment.

Early-stage oesophageal cancer can have a good outcome with surgery and chemoradiation.

Advanced disease has a poorer survival rate, but modern therapies offer improved survival and quality of life.

Prevention & Monitoring

Do not smoke. Limit alcohol

GERD treatment and Barrett’s oesophagus follow-up

Eat a diet that is strongly composed of fruits and vegetables.

Follow-up for patients at risk, Imaging and endoscopy for follow-up after treatment in search of recurrence