Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer has a well-defined set of contributors, and most patients we see fall into one or more of these categories.

• Chronic acid reflux or GERD, especially when it's gone untreated for years, can gradually change the cells lining the lower esophagus - a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which itself raises cancer risk further
• Tobacco use, smoked or chewed, remains one of the strongest risk factors we encounter
• Regular alcohol consumption, particularly combined with smoking, multiplies risk rather than simply adding to it
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in very hot beverages or heavily processed food has been linked to a higher incidence in Indian populations
• Obesity increases pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, worsening reflux and, over time, cancer risk
• Age past 55 is a factor, though we do see cases in younger patients with long-standing, untreated reflux
• A history of swallowing disorders, such as achalasia, or previous radiation to the chest, also raises baseline risk

• Difficulty swallowing that progresses gradually - starting with solid foods and, over weeks to months, extending to softer foods and liquids
• A sensation of food sticking behind the breastbone
• Unintended weight loss is often noticed before any other symptom appears
• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux that doesn't respond to usual medication
• Chest pain or discomfort, sometimes mistaken for a cardiac issue
• Hoarseness or a chronic cough that lingers without a clear respiratory cause
• Vomiting, particularly if it contains blood, needs same-day evaluation rather than a wait-and-watch approach

Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed history focused on swallowing pattern and reflux history, followed by targeted investigations.

• Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy remains the definitive diagnostic step, confirming both the presence and type of cancer cells
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) helps assess how deeply the tumour has invaded the esophageal wall and whether nearby lymph nodes are involved
• CT imaging of the chest and abdomen evaluates the extent of spread beyond the esophagus
• PET-CT is often used for staging in patients being considered for surgery, to rule out distant spread
• Blood tests support overall assessment, though no blood marker diagnoses esophageal cancer on its own

Esophageal Cancer Treatment planning depends heavily on the stage and location of the tumour, along with the patient's overall fitness for surgery.

• Surgical resection (esophagectomy) is the primary curative option for localized disease, removing the affected segment and reconstructing the food pipe using part of the stomach or intestine
• Minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques are available for suitable candidates, reducing recovery time compared to open surgery
• Chemotherapy and radiation, often given together before surgery, can shrink the tumour and improve surgical outcomes in locally advanced cases
• Endoscopic therapies, including mucosal resection, may be appropriate for very early-stage cancers confined to the superficial lining
• Palliative measures, including esophageal stenting, help manage swallowing difficulty and maintain nutrition in patients with advanced disease

Our Department of Gastroenterology & GI Surgery works closely with oncology and radiology teams to provide the best esophageal cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai.

• Experienced endoscopists and GI surgeons handle diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning together
• Endoscopic ultrasound and advanced imaging support precise staging before treatment begins
• Multidisciplinary tumour board review ensures every case is discussed across surgery, oncology, and pathology before a treatment plan is finalized
• Structured post-treatment follow-up monitors nutrition, swallowing function, and recurrence over the long term.