Esophageal Cancer


What is esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer occurs when the tissue that lines the esophagus becomes malignant. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, allowing food to pass.


Why You May Need Esophageal Cancer Prevention

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as heartburn can have serious repercussions if it is chronic and untreated. GERD can lead to a host of medical issues including difficulty swallowing, Barrett’s esophagus (sometimes a pre-cancerous condition), ulcers and esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death in the United States.


Esophageal cancer symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia. Other common esophageal cancer symptoms may include:

  • Reflux symptoms
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pain or burning in the throat or chest
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Vomiting
  • Chronic hiccups
  • Chronic cough
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent choking while eating food

Many of the symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer. If you notice any signs or symptoms, it’s important to contact our office for an evaluation.


Types of esophageal cancer

  • Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer. This type of cancer forms in glandular cells in the lining of the esophagus that release mucus. It typically develops in the lower part of the esophagus, closer to the stomach.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the flat cells that line the esophagus. This type of esophageal cancer is typically found in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus.

Every esophageal cancer patient is different. Dr. Sinha has extensive experience in properly staging and diagnosing the disease and developing a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific type of esophageal cancer.


Esophageal Cancer Prevention

The first step to prevention is to determine the current condition of your esophagus. To accomplish this, Dr. Sinha must visually examine your esophagus for damage. One way to do this is through an upper endoscopy.  The advantage of an upper endoscopy test is that it gives Dr. Sinha the ability to collect a biopsy or tissue sample, required to make an acute diagnosis.


Why choose Hunterdon Digestive Health?

Hunterdon Digestive Health is designed to personalize cancer care for each individual patient. Having a dedicated team provides many benefits, including:

  • Speed of care: With a cancer diagnosis, it is critical to get on an appropriate treatment plan as quickly as possible. HDH is built for efficiency and convenience, with an emphasis on eliminating waste in time and resources, so you get results more quickly.
  • Early detection and Individualized treatment
  • Better communication with Dr. Sinha and team in a smaller cohesive practice.
  • Patient empowerment: You and your family are involved throughout the treatment planning and implementation process, allowing you to make informed decisions about your care.
  • Coordinated care and extensive networking. Care beyond local community that you deserve. We believe that care cannot be limited and restricted.

Many of the symptoms may be attributed to several conditions other than cancer. If you notice any signs or symptoms, it's important to contact our office for an evaluation.


DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a best in class gastroenterologist regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.

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Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Saturday:

*Contact office to confirm Saturday hours and availability*

Sunday:

Closed