Why choose CommonSpirit for Esophageal Cancer Care?
Our experienced specialists successfully treat precancerous, early-stage and advanced cases of esophageal cancer. Using advanced diagnostic tests and treatments, our expert cancer care teams are ready to care for you or a loved ones with compassion and support.
Expert, team-based care for esophageal cancer
We’re home to one of the largest esophageal cancer programs in the country, providing expert, team-based care for a high number of patients each year. Our experience and excellent outcomes mean you’re in the best hands possible.
A precise esophageal cancer diagnosis
Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward the right care. Our team uses advanced testing to understand your cancer in detail, so we can plan the most effective treatment for you.
Collaborative approach to cancer care
Gastroenterologists are often the first to diagnose esophageal cancer and may provide some initial treatment. Most patients then receive care from a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, to ensure comprehensive, coordinated treatment.
Your team may include:
Endoscopists
Gastrointestinal surgeons
Our esophageal cancer treatments
Advancing Esophageal Cancer Care
We work with patients at risk of esophageal cancer to detect and treat it as early as possible—when it’s most treatable. While there’s no standard screening test for esophageal cancer, your primary care provider or gastroenterologist may order different tests depending on your risk factors. Your doctor may recommend regular examinations if you have a condition or habit that raises your risk for esophageal cancer, such as:
Excessive alcohol use
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
We perform complex procedures to treat esophageal cancer, using minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery techniques whenever possible. These techniques are known to improve recovery and reduce pain after surgery.
Surgery is often an option when the cancer hasn’t spread outside the esophagus. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend:
- Esophagectomy, a procedure for early-stage cancer to remove part of the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes
- Esophagogastrostomy, a procedure for more advanced cancer that removes part of the esophagus, the upper stomach and nearby lymph nodes
We offer a range of treatment options in addition to surgery or when surgery isn’t an option. Some therapies, including endoscopic mucosal resection, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy, may target early-stage cancer or precancerous cells. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy also help get rid of cancer cells.
Nutrition is an important part of esophageal cancer care as well. We provide personalized nutrition counseling before and after surgical treatment. The right nutrition can have a great impact on your comfort and quality of life.
Many of our specialists study new ways to care for esophageal cancer and related digestive diseases. When appropriate, we offer patients the option to participate in research at every step, from initial diagnosis to long-term follow-up. In some cases, you may have access to emerging tests and treatments that aren’t widely available.
Clinical trials include innovations such as new laser therapies, immunotherapy and other types of targeted therapy. Many trials also work to improve symptom management and quality of life with esophageal cancer.
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