Esophageal cancer can be complex.\u00a0At Norton Cancer Institute, you’ll see a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, medical and radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, nurse navigators, registered dietitians and more to evaluate and guide your treatment.\u00a0All bring their own areas of expertise to your case at weekly meetings to review and plan your treatment.\u00a0Our multidisciplinary team<\/a> works together at the same location, allowing you to schedule multiple appointments for the same day.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n To contact our gastrointestinal cancer care team, call (502) 629-2500<\/a><\/strong> or email GICare@nortonhealthcare.org<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your care will be coordinated by our gastrointestinal cancer patient navigator who will guide you through treatment. Our navigator is a registered nurse and advocate for patients and families and can help coordinate scheduling and provide information and support throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to our current leading-edge treatments, we offer our patients the opportunity to participate in innovative National Cancer Institute and industry-sponsored clinical trials and studies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Esophageal cancer describes the formation of malignant cancer cells in the muscular tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach. There are two forms of esophageal cancer. The most common is esophageal adenocarcinoma, which forms in the glandular cells in the esophageal lining. Esophageal adenocarcinoma typically affects the lower esophagus, in the area where the esophagus meets the stomach. This form of esophageal cancer is strongly associated with gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) or Barrett’s esophagus, two conditions where abnormal cells develop in the esophageal lining due to chronic acid exposure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is less common and forms in the flat cells that line the esophagus. This form of esophageal cancer tends to develop in the middle to upper sections of the esophagus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common first symptom of esophageal cancer is the feeling that food is lodged in the throat or chest. This will get worse as time goes on. Other signs of esophageal cancer include chest pain or discomfort that feels like acid reflux pain, or burning or a pressure feeling in the middle of the chest, especially after swallowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No two cancers are alike \u2014 you may have no symptoms, your symptoms may be a sign of something other than esophageal cancer, or you may have a unique combination of symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although doctors aren\u2019t sure exactly what causes esophageal cancer, many known risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing your doctor will do if you have esophageal cancer symptoms is take a detailed medical history, including any risk factors or symptoms you may have. From there, your health care provider will determine the appropriate next step. Those steps might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is Esophageal Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Esophageal Cancer Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Diagnosing Esophageal Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n