Esophageal cancer begins in the tube that transfers food from your throat to your stomach. The two main types include squamous cell carcinoma, which is most often seen in the upper or middle esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, which usually develops in the lower portion near the stomach. The early stages may not show clear symptoms, so early evaluation by a GI specialist is very important.
The symptoms of esophageal cancer may not appear immediately. As the disease advances, you may experience:
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing esophageal cancer:
Having troubling signs such as continued heartburn or difficulty swallowing? Houston GI specialists offer their health care offerings in terms of our endoscopy-high-end diagnostics, imaging and biopsy, combined with tailored endoscopy treatment options, as far as esophageal health is concerned. Our emphasis is on patient-centered, caring, and built-in compassionate care and collaborate with very best cancer and nutrition professionals to ensure you have been taken through it all. Stop buying- Booking your appointment
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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.
Benign tumors, also known as non-cancerous tumors of the esophagus, are benign turbulent growths that fail to show any signs of invasion by spreading to the surrounding tissues or other body sites. Even though they are not progressive, they may cause such symptoms as poor ability to swallow, or pain. These will keep growing and we usually strip them out and do a biopsy to ensure that they are harmless and to provide relief against excessive growth.
Esophagitis does not turn to cancer often. But the long-term inflammation, particularly caused by the long-term acid reflux, may cause any alteration of the inner lining of the esophagus (the Barrett esophagus), as well as predisposing to cancer. Early treatment of the esophagitis and keeping a check on the health of your esophagus can prevent this.
Majority of esophageal polyps are harmless and are not life threatening. However, not all the polyps remain normal as they might develop ab tursts. Endoscopic ablation and microscopic analysis of polyps are recommended to be eliminated in order to guarantee that they are not precancerous, and to avoid complications in future.
There is infrequent esophageal ulcer cancer. Long term ulcers, where healing does not take place, though, might conceal underlying disease, and this ought to be checked under biopsy. Infection, or acid reflux can also be cured, which in turn limits any possible risk of cancer.
An upper endoscopy is used as a standard beginning of the diagnostic process as the thin and flexible tube with a camera is applied through the throat to see inside of the esophagus. In case of any suspicious areas, the small tissue sample (biopsy) is collected, which should undergo laboratory examination. Further investigations including CT, or PET scans can be applied to monitor the spreading of disease.
The patients should schedule appointments with GI specialists (personal intake of swelled supplements): anyone with a burning sensation in their chest, heartburn, the inability to swallow, unexplainable weight loss, chest pain, and a persistent cough. Members of the population, who have long-term acid reflux or Barrett esophagus or those whose relative had esophaginal cancer are also advised to screen regularly.
Some of the ways through which you can reduce your risk are to maintain a healthy weight, take care of tobacco use and excessive alcohol use, eat a well-balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables, and early detection of acid reflux. Constant check ups, endoscopies observation also help in checking upon any abnormalities before they progress.
Barrett Esophagus is a disease where there is a change in the normal lining of the esophagus as a result of constant exposure to acid. Nonetheless, it is not cancer, but it increases the chances of getting esophagus adenocarcinoma. It is advised that precancerous changes be under regular surveillance through endoscopies.
Patients spend 7-10 days in the hospital that follows operations containing procedures such as esophagectomy. Full recovery takes a few weeks and it normally includes oral therapy, nutritional replacement, and careful changes in diet. A good majority of the patients are completely recovered through follow up therapy in reentering regular activities.
Yes, GastroDoxs covers a majority of large insurance companies. Our management will perform coverage validation and clarify out last-minute payment balances and referral or billing all in details to help you focus on recovering with no worries of handling the bills on your own.
