What types of treatment can be used for a diagnosis of cancer of the esophagus?

Scope and biopsy: During upper GI endoscopy and biopsy of the suspicious lesions. Also barium swallow, ct scans , pet scans , ultrasound endoscopy all add to the diagnosis.

Multimodality: Early stage esophageal cancer in otherwise healthy people is treated with removal of the esophagus. Larger tumors or tumor that have spread to lymph nodes require some combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Cancers that have spread to other organs are treated with chemotherapy. Before and during treatment esophageal stents can be placed if needed so that patients can swallow food.