Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month
There are Two types of Esophageal Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma, the type most common in the western world. There has been a rising increase in the United States which usually results from long-standing reflux disease, and certain lifestyle changes, including diet, that are associated with western cultures.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which is often linked to smoking and drinking. Other risk factors are diet and drinking liquids at extremely hot temperatures.
Esophageal Cancer is deadly and INCREASING RAPIDLY
The type of Esophageal Cancer caused by reflux disease is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer in the U.S. Sadly, only those who catch their cancer at the earliest stages are likely to be cured. So, finding this cancer early is very important.
Only one in five patients diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer will survive five years because it is most often caught at late stages. The disease is often only discovered when patients have a hard time swallowing because of a large tumor in their esophagus.
Though considered a rare disease, Esophageal Cancer takes more American lives each year than melanoma skin cancer or cervical cancer.
Talk to your PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER or GASTROINTESTINAL SURGEON about your concerns if:
- You have more than occasional heartburn symptoms
- You have experienced heartburn in the past, but the symptoms have gone away
- You have any pain or difficulty swallowing
- You have a family history of Barrett’s Esophagus or Esophageal Cancer
- You have an ongoing, unexplained cough
- You have been speaking with a hoarse voice over several weeks
- You have a long lasting, unexplained sore throat
- You cough or choke when you lie down
The symptoms described above may be caused by esophageal cancer or other health problems.
Mat-Su Surgical Associates perform many screening & surgical procedures for conditions of the esophagus.
Conditions of the esophagus we treat:
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Dysplasia
- Achalasia
- Esophageal Spasm
- Esophagitis
- Hiatal Hernia
- Peptic Ulcers
- Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE/Watermelon stomach)
- Esophageal Cancer
Procedures for the esophagus we perform:
- EGD (Upper Endoscopy)
- Esophageal Motility (Manometry) and pH Testing
- Banding of Esophageal Varices
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Barrett’s Esophagus, GAVE and Radiation Proctitis
- Diffuse Esophageal Spasm
- Dilation of Strictures
- Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery (Nissen Fundoplication)
- da Vinci® Robotic Acid Reflux Surgery (Nissen Fundoplication)
- da Vinci® Robotic Heller Myotomy (Swallowing Disorder Surgery)
- Gastrectomy
