ESOPHAGEAL CANCER The esophagus is a hollow tube located behind the trachea that connects the throat to the stomach. The muscles in the esophagus push food and liquids down to the stomach. There are also glands within the esophagus that produce mucus to keep it moist and assist in swallowing.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of esophageal cancer may include:

• Hoarseness
• Chronic cough sometimes accompanied by blood
• Difficulty/pain when swallowing
• Throat or back pain
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

TREATMENT:

Surgery (esophagectomy) is the most common form of treatment for esophageal cancer. The surgeon will remove the tumor, the affected area of the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes.

In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used in conjunction with surgery on a preoperative and/or postoperative basis.

The Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Oncology Center also offers clinical trials for patients with more complex stomach cancers.