Esophageal cancer is a malignant growth in the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. It usually develops slowly over time and can occur in two main forms: squamous cell carcinoma (in the upper or middle esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (in the lower esophagus, near the stomach).
Early on, esophageal cancer may not cause any signs. As it progresses, you may notice:
Several factors can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer:
Don't face concerns about esophageal cancer on your own. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our compassionate experts are ready to guide you through every step from diagnosis to treatment. Call us at 832-632-4070 or visit our website to book your consultation now. Take control of your health and get the personalized care you deserve.
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.
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. If untreated, it can grow and spread to nearby tissues and organs.
Cancerous esophageal cells are abnormal cells in the esophagus that divide uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissues, and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Esophageal cancer is less common than many other cancers, but its incidence has been rising in recent years, particularly in certain populations and geographic regions.
You should consult a doctor if you frequently experience difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or a persistent cough or hoarseness.
At GastroDoxs, our gastroenterology team partners with experienced surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.
Yes. Both cancers affect the upper digestive tract and can share risk factors such as acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus, smoking, and diet. Treatments may also overlap in early stages.
Diagnosis typically involves an upper endoscopy with biopsy, imaging tests like CT or PET scans, and sometimes endoscopic ultrasound to assess tumor depth and lymph node involvement.
Effective treatment often combines surgery (esophagectomy), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early tumors may be treated endoscopically, while advanced cases may also use targeted or immunotherapy.
Yes, especially when detected early. Surgical removal of the tumor combined with chemotherapy or radiation offers the best chance for long-term remission. Early detection is critical.
You can schedule a consultation by calling our Jersey Village office or visiting our website to request an appointment online. Our team will guide you through the next steps.
