Treatment for cancer of the esophagus would begin once all other causes have been ruled out and that the doctor suspects a cancer of the esophagus. The doctor will first question the person about their general state of health, conduct a physical examination and prescribe some of the following tests:

The treatment is determined by stage of cancer or its degree of spread, as with most cancers, treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or a combination of three techniques.

The surgical treatment targets cancer cells and aims to eliminate them. Before deciding on surgery, the doctor will evaluate the overall health of the individual, because it is a process which can be long and very stressful.

In the case of a complete removal of the esophagus, the surgeon creates a new passage in the stomach so that food is transported elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, via either the stomach or the intestine.

He then chooses among a variety of methods that require incisions in the neck, chest and (or) in the abdomen. On occasion, some parts of this process take place through a thin tube with a light source and a display unit, which is inserted into the abdomen (laparascopie) or in the region of the thorax (thoracoscopy). The laparascopie thoracoscopy and reduce the risk of side effects after surgery.

The patient may have difficulty swallowing after surgery and reflux is often a problem. In a first stage, the patient will drink only liquids to move gradually to soft foods.

If surgery can be performed, the laser is sometimes used to remove cancerous tumors and release the esophagus.

Radiation can be external or internal, in the first case it runs a source of external radiation directly to cancer cells, whereas in the latter case, a radioactive substance directly into the esophagus.

Radiation therapy is accompanied by several side effects, the main ones being:

* Sensitivity of the mouth and gums
* Ulceration of the mouth
* Reduced production of saliva
* Sore throat
* Changes in the voice
* Redness, dry skin
* Loss of taste or smell

Although usually temporary, these reactions are sometimes very troublesome during treatment, health professionals may suggest measures to reduce its effects.

In chemotherapy, the drug is administered to destroy cancer cells and is usually injected directly into the veins.

As the drugs circulate throughout the body, side effects, though temporary, are more widespread than in the case of radiotherapy. They include,

* Nausea and vomiting
* Hair loss
* Fatigue
* Diarrhea
* Chills
* Shortness of breath
* Cough
* Ulceration of the mouth

In advanced stages of the disease, or when the patient is too old or too frail to endure surgery, chemotherapy is often given in conjunction with radiotherapy. Sometimes this combination offers chances of survival and recovery similar to those of surgery.

Photodynamic therapy can relieve symptoms of esophageal cancer. The patient takes a drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to light the affected area is then exposed to a source of light that kills cancer cells.

After the treatment of esophageal cancer, it is crucial to keep the esophagus open. To do this, it is dilated (expanded) to facilitate swallowing. However, it is not a permanent solution and it is sometimes necessary to repeat the exercise regularly.

As with many cancers, you could reduce the likelihood of developing cancer of the esophagus by reducing its risks. That means quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, adopt a healthy diet and consult a doctor about any trouble persistent in the throat. At present, the best prevention is to know the signs and symptoms and to take the earliest possible action.