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Esophageal Cancers
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in diagnosing and treating esophageal cancer with advanced endoscopic procedures, personalized therapies, and support. His patient-centered approach ensures early detection, effective treatment plans, and care for improved outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
Barrett's esophagus
Long-term tobacco use
Heavy alcohol consumption
Obesity or overweight
Poor diet (low in fruits and vegetables)
Age over 50 years
Male gender
Family history of digestive system cancers
Signs and Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), especially solids
Chest pain or pressure when eating
Unintentional weight loss
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
Hoarseness or chronic cough
Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Esophageal Cancer?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms—such as trouble swallowing, chest or epigastric pain, heartburn, weight loss—and evaluates risk factors like GERD, smoking, alcohol use, and family history.
Upper Endoscopy and Biopsy
An endoscope is passed into the esophagus to directly visualize any abnormal areas. Tissue samples are taken for pathology to confirm cancer or rule out other causes of epigastric pain.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
A specialized ultrasound probe on the endoscope measures how deep a tumor has penetrated the esophageal wall and checks nearby lymph nodes.
Imaging Studies
CT Scan of the chest and abdomen to detect local spread or distant metastases.
PET-CT to identify metabolically active cancer cells throughout the body.
Additional Tests (if needed)
Blood work assesses overall health and nutritional status. In select cases, a barium swallow or esophageal manometry may be performed to evaluate structure and motility.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for esophageal cancer.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Support
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease swallowing
Avoid spicy, acidic or very hot foods that can irritate the esophagus
Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to reduce reflux
Reduce or stop alcohol and tobacco use to lower risk and improve healing
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers to control acid reflux
Protective agents that coat and soothe the esophageal lining
Nutritional supplements or high-calorie shakes if swallowing becomes difficult
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic mucosal resection to remove early tumors without surgery
Radiofrequency ablation to destroy abnormal tissue
Esophagectomy (surgical removal of part of the esophagus) in advanced cases
Combination chemotherapy and radiation, coordinated with Houston's cancer specialists
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early symptoms of esophageal cancer?
You may notice mild trouble swallowing solid foods or persistent heartburn. Some people also experience chest pain or pressure when eating.
Can a non-cancerous esophageal tumor become cancerous?
Most benign esophageal tumors remain harmless. However, it's important to biopsy any growth to rule out or detect early malignancy.
How does chronic acid reflux lead to cancer?
Long-term acid reflux can damage the esophageal lining and cause Barrett's esophagus, a condition that increases the risk of developing cancer.
Is endoscopy alone enough to confirm esophageal cancer?
An upper endoscopy allows biopsy of suspicious tissue, and that biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing esophageal cancer.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment depends on cancer stage and may include endoscopic removal of early tumors, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
When should I worry that reflux might turn into cancer?
If reflux or chest discomfort persists beyond eight weeks, or if you experience unintentional weight loss, schedule an evaluation promptly.
Is esophagitis the same as esophageal cancer?
No. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. While it doesn't mean you have cancer, chronic inflammation can raise your long-term risk.
