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Esophageal Cancer

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What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer is an abnormal growth of tissue that occurs in the esophagus, the tube that runs from the throat down to the stomach. The esophagus moves swallowed food to the stomach for digestion.

Causes of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer can form anywhere along the esophagus and typically begins in the cells that line it.

The types of esophageal cancer are categorized based on the cells involved, and they include:

Adenocarcinoma: Considered the most common type of esophageal cancer, adenocarcinoma develops in the cells that exist in the mucus-secreting glands of the esophagus (typically, the lower portion of the esophagus)

What are the Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer?

Symptoms often do not present early on in the disease. However, in later stages, they can include:

Difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia)
Heartburn or indigestion that worsens over time
Hoarseness or coughing
Pressure, pain or burning in the chest
Unintended weight loss

How is Esophageal Cancer Diagnosed?

If there is a suspicion of esophageal cancer, a physician may recommend tests, including:

An endoscopy to examine the esophagus
A biopsy to collect a sample of abnormal-looking tissue, which can be performed during the endoscopy

What are the Treatments for Esophageal Cancer in NJ?

Treatments for esophageal cancer depend on overall health, the stage of the cancer, and the cells involved. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the cancerous growth may be performed alone or with other treatments. Surgical possibilities include:

Surgery to remove tiny tumors when they are located in the superficial layers of the esophagus and have not spread

Chemotherapy

Typically, chemotherapy is a drug treatment designed to kill cancer cells before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant). It may also be combined with radiation therapy or used alone to alleviate symptoms in advanced stages of the disease.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy harnesses the power of X-ray radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. The radiation is usually delivered using a machine on the outside of the body targeted at the cancerous area (external beam radiation), but it can also be placed directly into the body close to the tumor (brachytherapy). As previously mentioned, it can be used by itself or in combination with other treatments to rid the disease or relieve symptoms of advanced stages.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Esophageal Cancer in New Jersey

At Digestive Healthcare Center, our physicians are skilled and experienced in recognizing the symptoms of esophageal cancer and determining the best next steps for diagnosis and treatment. We see patients at our three office locations in Somerset County, as well as via virtual telemedicine visits, where you can speak to a gastroenterologist from the comfort of your home. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and to learn more about the procedures we offer.

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Digestive Health Care and Treatment in New Jersey

Whether you come to see us in person or speak to a physician via a telemedicine virtual visit, our team will ensure that all of your questions are answered and that you fully understand all decisions made for your health. We want to help you live a healthier and more comfortable life free from digestive discomfort.

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To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center

Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety measures we are taking to protect you and our staff from contracting the coronavirus. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to limit the spread of the virus by continuously disinfecting all rooms and equipment, using protective barriers, providing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. We are testing staff and patients to make sure you are safe. Patients will be asked to provide information if they have been tested.

OFFICE HOURS:

Our Hillsborough and Somerville offices are open and seeing patients for Telemedicine and In-Office visits as needed. Our Warren location is currently closed.

SAFETY FIRST:

All patients must wear masks.
We will screen patients for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to coming into the office by taking their temperature and asking basic screening questions.
Limited companions on visits – Patients are asked to come alone to their visit unless assistance is needed.

CENTRAL JERSEY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER:

Our surgery center is open and performing procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Please call to schedule an appointment at 908-218-9222. Patients coming in for procedures will be COVID tested prior to their procedure.

PATIENT PORTAL:

To better serve you, all patients must register for our portal by providing us with your email address. You will receive a portal invitation via email which will contain a pin number needed to register for our portal. This will be our main source of communication with you regarding test results, answering clinical questions, and providing important updates.

The Physicians and Staff at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center wish everyone the best at this trying time.

Stay healthy and safe.