Unfortunately, early esophageal cancer causes few symptoms, and the disease is usually advanced when the diagnosis is made. However, advanced esophageal cancer can be treated and symptoms can be relieved. The doctor may use just one treatment method or combine them, depending on the patient's needs. In some cases, the patient is referred to doctors who specialize in different kinds of cancer treatment. Often, specialists work together as a team to plan and carry out the patient's care.
Surgery is often part of the treatment plan.
Many patients with esophageal cancer have an operation called esophagectomy . Generally, the surgeon removes the tumor along with a portion of the esophagus, nearby lymph nodes, and other tissue in the area. Usually, it is possible to connect the stomach to the remaining part of the esophagus. If a tumor blocks the esophagus but cannot be removed, the surgeon may be able to create a bypass , a new pathway to the stomach. This procedure may have to be repeated as the tumor grows.