Comprehensive care for esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the esophagus — the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. While this cancer is relatively rare, it is often diagnosed in later stages due to subtle early symptoms.

At Endeavor Health, our multidisciplinary team provides personalized, evidence-based treatment for all stages of disease using the latest technologies and surgical techniques. We combine compassionate care with innovation, offering you access to minimally invasive surgery, advanced endoscopy, radiation and systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy) options.

Understanding esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer develops in the lining of the esophagus and can affect swallowing and digestion, and eventually spread and disrupt many other organ functions. There are two main types:

  • Adenocarcinoma, which typically forms in the lower esophagus and is often linked to GERD or Barrett’s esophagus
  • Squamous cell carcinoma, which typically forms in the upper and middle esophagus and may be linked to tobacco and alcohol use

Risk factors include:

  • Chronic GERD or acid reflux
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Tobacco and alcohol use
  • Obesity
  • Older age and being assigned male at birth
Colorectal cancer symptoms

Signs of esophageal cancer can include:

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent heartburn or indigestion
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Chronic cough or hoarseness

If you notice any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor to evaluate whether testing is needed.

Esophageal cancer treatment and therapies

For all but the most advanced stages, surgery can play a large role in the treatment of esophageal cancer. For the earliest stage cancers, this may involve advanced endoscopic techniques (EMR or ESD), removing just the tumor from within the esophagus itself.

For more advanced stages, surgery often involves an esophagectomy, removing a large part of the esophagus in order to remove all of the cancerous cells and lymph nodes. In most cases, this can be done with minimally invasive techniques. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy is an advanced option in which the surgeon uses a surgical robot and specialized instruments to remove part or all of the esophagus with greater visualization and precision.

Often used before or after surgery and may be combined with radiation to shrink tumors and improve outcomes.

Targets cancer cells with high-energy radiation. May be used before surgery or as a primary treatment if surgery is not an option.

Used in cancers with specific mutations. These drugs block proteins that help cancer cells grow.

Helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. It can be used in addition to traditional chemotherapy or as an additional therapy after successful surgery.

Esophageal cancer tests and screenings

While there is no standard screening for esophageal cancer, people with chronic GERD or Barrett’s esophagus may benefit from regular monitoring.

Common diagnostic tools include:

A thin tube with a camera is used to view the esophagus

Tissue samples are taken during endoscopy for lab testing

X-ray series that shows the shape and function of the esophagus

Measures acid levels to assess reflux severity

Identifies mutations to guide targeted therapy

Why Endeavor Health?

At Endeavor Health, you receive expert esophageal cancer care in a collaborative, patient-first environment.

Your case is reviewed in a tumor board including oncologists, surgeons, endoscopists, GI specialists, radiologists and support staff.

You’ll be paired with a nurse navigator to help coordinate appointments, answer your questions, and provide ongoing guidance.

We offer therapeutic endoscopy and minimally invasive esophagectomy for faster recovery and improved outcomes.

We provide access to nutrition counseling, smoking cessation, survivorship planning, financial advocacy and integrative medicine.

Care team

Our esophageal cancer team includes GI and thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, advanced endoscopists, genetic counselors, nurse navigators, social workers and dietitians — working together to deliver expert, personalized care.

Find a doctor

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Esophageal cancer FAQs

Difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, heartburn, and persistent chest discomfort are common early signs.

Testing includes upper endoscopy with biopsy, imaging and molecular/genomic testing.

We offer advanced diagnostics and personalized treatments delivered by a multidisciplinary care team, with nurse navigator guidance.

Yes. Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and targeted therapies may be used alone or in combination, depending on your diagnosis.

Yes, with improved multimodality therapy, an increasing number of patients with esophageal cancer can be cured. Others, while not curable, may be managed long-term with multimodal therapy and monitoring.

Doctors researching illustration

Clinical trials & research

Endeavor Health participates in national and regional clinical trials to offer patients access to new esophageal cancer therapies before they become widely available.

Learn more about clinical trials

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If you're experiencing symptoms or need a second opinion, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation with an esophageal cancer specialist today.

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Your care journey is our mission

The Endeavor Health Cancer Institute is committed to delivering world-class care through personalized, team-based treatment, advanced diagnostics, and long-term support for people with esophageal cancer.

About the institute