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Esophageal cancer can be complex. At Norton Cancer Institute, you’ll see a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, medical and radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, nurse navigators, registered dietitians and more to evaluate and guide your treatment. All bring their own areas of expertise to your case at weekly meetings to review and plan your treatment. Our multidisciplinary team works together at the same location, allowing you to schedule multiple appointments for the same day.
To contact our gastrointestinal cancer care team, call (502) 629-2500 or email [email protected].
Your care will be coordinated by our gastrointestinal cancer patient navigator who will guide you through treatment. Our navigator is a registered nurse and advocate for patients and families and can help coordinate scheduling and provide information and support throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
In addition to our current leading-edge treatments, we offer our patients the opportunity to participate in innovative National Cancer Institute and industry-sponsored clinical trials and studies.
Esophageal cancer describes the formation of malignant cancer cells in the muscular tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach. There are two forms of esophageal cancer. The most common is esophageal adenocarcinoma, which forms in the glandular cells in the esophageal lining. Esophageal adenocarcinoma typically affects the lower esophagus, in the area where the esophagus meets the stomach. This form of esophageal cancer is strongly associated with gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) or Barrett’s esophagus, two conditions where abnormal cells develop in the esophageal lining due to chronic acid exposure.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is less common and forms in the flat cells that line the esophagus. This form of esophageal cancer tends to develop in the middle to upper sections of the esophagus.
The most common first symptom of esophageal cancer is the feeling that food is lodged in the throat or chest. This will get worse as time goes on. Other signs of esophageal cancer include chest pain or discomfort that feels like acid reflux pain, or burning or a pressure feeling in the middle of the chest, especially after swallowing.
No two cancers are alike — you may have no symptoms, your symptoms may be a sign of something other than esophageal cancer, or you may have a unique combination of symptoms.
Although doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes esophageal cancer, many known risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer, including:
The first thing your doctor will do if you have esophageal cancer symptoms is take a detailed medical history, including any risk factors or symptoms you may have. From there, your health care provider will determine the appropriate next step. Those steps might include:
Proper cancer staging helps your team determine the most effective treatment options for you. Stages of esophageal cancer may be grouped into three main categories based on the cancer size and whether or not it has spread to other areas of the body.
Esophageal cancer also may be staged using the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) system. The letters T, N and M describe different areas of cancer growth. A number is assigned to each letter, based on imaging and pathology results. A TNM example may look like: T2N1M0 or T2, N1, M0.
There are many options for treating esophageal cancer, depending on the cancer stage, whether the cancer has spread and your overall health. Treatment options include:
Our multidisciplinary team provides care to over 750 gastrointestinal cancer patients each year, making Norton Cancer Institute the largest comprehensive gastrointestinal cancer program in the region.
Thoracic Radiation Oncology, Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology
Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology
Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Head and Neck Radiation Oncology, Gynecologic Radiation Oncology, Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology
Copays or fees are typically due at the time of service. If you have insurance, your copay amount will depend on your plan. For self-pay patients, the cost of a visit typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the services provided. There may be additional charges for services such as lab tests or X-rays.
If you have questions about your bill or need assistance with payment options, you can contact Norton Healthcare customer service at (502) 479-6300 or (800) 874-3979.