Esophageal cancer begins in the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma, which often appears in the upper or middle esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, typically found lower down near the stomach. Early stages can be subtle, so timely evaluation by a GI specialist is crucial.
Signs of esophageal cancer may not be obvious at first. As the disease progresses, you might experience:
Several factors can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer:
Facing worrisome symptoms like persistent heartburn or trouble swallowing? Our Houston GI specialists deliver expert diagnostics-advanced endoscopy, imaging and biopsy-paired with personalized treatment plans for esophageal health. We focus on compassionate, patient-centered care and work closely with top cancer and nutrition experts to guide you every step of the way. Don't wait-book your appointment today and take control of your digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Non-cancerous esophageal tumors, also called benign tumors, are abnormal growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Although they aren't malignant, they can still cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing or pain. We often remove and biopsy these growths to confirm they remain harmless and to relieve any discomfort.
Esophagitis itself rarely becomes cancer. However, chronic inflammation-especially from long-term acid reflux-can lead to changes in the esophageal lining (Barrett's esophagus) and increase the risk of cancer over time. Treating esophagitis promptly and monitoring your esophageal health helps minimize this risk.
Most esophageal polyps are benign and do not pose a serious threat. That said, some polyps can undergo abnormal changes if left unchecked. We recommend endoscopic removal and microscopic examination of polyps to ensure they aren't precancerous and to prevent future complications.
Esophageal ulcers infrequently turn into cancer. Persistent or non-healing ulcers, however, may hide more serious conditions and should be evaluated with a biopsy. Treating the underlying cause-such as acid reflux or infection-also helps reduce any potential cancer risk.
Diagnosis typically begins with an upper endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is guided down the throat to visualize the esophagus. If suspicious areas are seen, a small tissue sample (biopsy) is taken for laboratory analysis. Additional imaging tests, like CT or PET scans, may be used to determine the extent of disease.
Anyone experiencing persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or prolonged cough should see a GI specialist. People with long-term acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus, or a family history of esophageal cancer are also encouraged to undergo regular screenings.
You can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and seeking early treatment for acid reflux. Routine check-ups and endoscopic monitoring further help detect any abnormalities before they progress.
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which chronic acid exposure causes the normal lining of the esophagus to change. It is not cancer, but it does raise the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Regular surveillance endoscopies are recommended to watch for precancerous changes.
After procedures such as an esophagectomy, patients typically remain in the hospital for 7-10 days. Complete recovery takes several weeks and often involves swallow therapy, nutritional support, and gradual dietary adjustments. Most patients return to normal activities with careful follow-up care.
Yes, GastroDoxs accepts most major insurance plans. Our administrative team will verify your coverage, explain any out-of-pocket costs, and assist you through the billing process so you can focus on your health and recovery.
