Esophageal Cancer Summary The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Later, you may have symptoms such as Painful or difficult swallowing Weight loss A hoarse voice or cough that doesn’t go away You’re at greater risk for getting esophageal cancer if you smoke, drink heavily, or have acid reflux. Your risk also goes up as you age Your doctor uses imaging tests and a biopsy to diagnose esophageal cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. You might also need nutritional support, since the cancer or treatment may make it hard to swallow. NIH: National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Encyclopedia After chemotherapy – discharge Esophagectomy – discharge Find an Expert American Cancer Society American Cancer Society ASGE: Find a Doctor American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Find a Cancer Doctor American Society of Clinical Oncology Find an ENT American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Organizations That Offer Support Services National Cancer Institute Related Issues Barrett’s Esophagus National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Risks of Esophageal Cancer Screening National Cancer Institute What Should You Ask Your Doctor about Cancer of the Esophagus? American Cancer Society Prevention and Risk Factors Can Cancer of the Esophagus Be Found Early? American Cancer Society Esophageal Cancer Prevention National Cancer Institute Statistics and Research Cancer of the Esophagus National Cancer Institute Snapshot of Esophageal Cancer National Cancer Institute What Are the Key Statistics about Cancer of the Esophagus? American Cancer Society What’s New in Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment? American Cancer Society Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Esophageal Neoplasms National Institutes of Health Array Coughing up blood Diet and eating after esophagectomy Esophageal cancer Esophagectomy – minimally invasive Esophagectomy – open Swallowing problems Reference Desk Dictionary of Cancer Terms National Cancer Institute Start Here Esophageal Cancer National Cancer Institute Esophageal Cancer Society of Thoracic Surgeons Esophageal Cancer Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research General Information about Esophageal Cancer National Cancer Institute What Is Cancer of the Esophagus? American Cancer Society What You Need to Know about Cancer of the Esophagus National Cancer Institute Diagnosis and Tests Esophageal Cancer Screening National Cancer Institute How Is Cancer of the Esophagus Diagnosed? American Cancer Society Stages of Esophageal Cancer National Cancer Institute Understanding Esophageal Dilation American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Upper GI Endoscopy National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Upper GI Series National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Treatments and Therapies Esophagus Cancer: Palliative Therapy American Cancer Society Photodynamic Therapy American Cancer Society Treatment Option Overview (Esophageal Cancer) National Cancer Institute Treatment Options by Stage (Esophageal Cancer) National Cancer Institute Journal Articles Esophageal Cancer Patient Handouts Understanding Chemotherapy National Cancer Institute What to Know about Brachytherapy (A Type of Internal Radiation Therapy) National Cancer Institute What to Know about External Beam Radiation Therapy National Cancer Institute Living With What Happens After Treatment for Cancer of the Esophagus? American Cancer Society