Esophageal Cancer

Program Overview. At The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s Health Care our cancer treatment programs are increasing hope everyday, thanks to our multidisciplinary model of care, which incorporates a staff of progressive physicians and innovative technologies. In addition to this model, we continually review and apply the latest anti-cancer drugs, the newest staging and imaging techniques—such as PET scan technology—and the most effective surgical procedures to ensure the best outcomes in the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Cancer Overview. Less well-known than lung cancer, but no less serious, esophageal cancer starts in the inner layer of the esophagus (the 10 inch tube that connects your throat and stomach). Common symptoms, which usually occur late in the disease, include difficulty swallowing, a sensation of food sticking to the throat or chest, unintentional weight loss, hoarseness, chronic cough and, although not common, pain, discomfort or burning behind the breastbone when swallowing. Historically, the outlook for people with esophageal cancer has been poor, however, survival rates have improved, in part because of our close monitoring of Barrett’s Esophagus—a serious pre-malignant complication of acid reflux disease.

Risk Factors:

• Heavy drinking
• Smoking Tobacco
• Chronic Acid Reflux
• Barrett’s Esophagus
• A Diet Low in Vitamin A, C, B1, Beta-Carotene and Selenium
• Obesity
• Rare medical conditions such as Achalasia, Esophageal Webs and Tylosis

Become part of our Multidisciplinary GI Clinic through a referral from your primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-752-LACK(S).