Esophageal Cancer

Many people experience occasional heartburn (throat irritation) from acid reflux. However, frequent episodes can cause permanent changes in your esophagus that can lead to cancer. While rates of esophageal cancer are rising, our experts are helping people across Michigan avoid this diagnosis.

Doctors at Trinity Health Michigan deliver a full range of services with a focus on prevention and early detection. If you do have cancer, you have access to procedures that preserve your quality of life.

Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer

Many people at risk for esophageal cancer do not realize it. The biggest risk factors are being overweight and having frequent heartburn also called acid reflux. Men over 50 years old are at even higher risk.

Frequent reflux causes patches of abnormal cells (dysplasia) in your esophagus that worsen over time. Dysplasia is a sign of a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Treating Barrett’s esophagus in its early stages can prevent dysplasia from becoming cancer.

Esophageal Cancer Care at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?

If you have Barrett’s esophagus or you received an esophageal cancer diagnosis, turn to an experienced program, such as the one at Trinity Health Michigan, for effective care.

Highlights of our program include:

• Highly-skilled doctors: Our caring team includes doctors with specialized (fellowship) training in procedures for gastrointestinal problems such as esophageal cancer. We evaluate and treat Barrett’s esophagus with advanced, nonsurgical (endoscopic) techniques.
   
• National recognition: Trinity Health Michigan was one of the first community hospital systems in the country to explore the effectiveness of endoscopic techniques for Barrett’s esophagus.
   
• Coordinated care: You benefit from the recommendations of multiple cancer specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists. Together, the team develops a treatment plan to best address the cancer and your lifestyle goals.
   
• Nurse navigators: Our nurse navigators lend a helping hand throughout your care journey. These specially trained nurses coordinate your appointments, so you don’t have to call different offices for the services you need.

Barrett’s Esophagus Care

If you have Barrett’s esophagus, your care may include regular monitoring and treatment for dysplasia:

Dysplasia monitoring

We assess you regularly to determine whether patches of dysplasia are changing. Our services include:

• Endoscopy: We slide a tube with a light and camera down your throat to evaluate esophagus tissue.
• Biopsy: If we identify dysplasia, we take a sample during the endoscopy procedure.
• Tissue analysis: We examine the biopsy under a microscope to determine the severity of the dysplasia and whether there are signs of cancer.

Dysplasia treatments

For dysplasia that is likely to become cancerous (high-grade dysplasia), you may need an ablation. This nonsurgical technique scars abnormal tissue preventing it from growing.

We have been caring for patients since 2007 and are among the nation's leading community cancer centers for ablation. You can count on us for safe, precise care that gets rid of Barrett’s esophagus symptoms.

Esophageal Cancer Treatments

If you have esophageal cancer, Trinity Health Michigan offers a range of treatments. You may receive:

• Endoscopic mucosal resection: We remove cancers on the surface of the esophagus using endoscopic techniques. These techniques allow for minimal disruption to surrounding tissue so you recover quickly.
   
• Cryoablation: We treat cancer and high-grade dysplasia using extremely cold gas, which prevents the cells from growing.
   
• Surgical resection: If the cancer has spread beyond surface layers of tissue, we use minimally invasive techniques to remove part of the esophagus. Our team includes doctors with additional training in techniques such as robotic surgery that offer a high level of precision.
   
• Other cancer treatments: We may use chemotherapy and radiation therapy to help shrink the tumor and prevent it from coming back. Learn more about chemotherapy and medical oncology and radiation therapy.

Care Options for Advanced Esophageal Cancer

We deliver specialized care options for complex cancers that come back after treatment. These offerings may also help you get relief from the side effects of treatment:

• Clinical trials: Our participation in cancer research means you may be eligible to receive new treatments before they are widely available. These may include new medication or innovative types of treatment, such as gene therapy. Get more information about cancer research and clinical trials.
   
• Esophageal stent: If cancerous growths are blocking your esophagus, a stent helps it stay open so you can eat and drink. A stent is a hollow mesh tube we insert through your mouth.
   
• Cryoablation: An additional care option for a blockage in the esophagus is to freeze the abnormal tissue. Cryoablation creates additional space for food and liquids to pass through.
   
• Palliative treatments: We may use ablation or radiation therapy to treat complications, such as blockages in your esophagus. Palliative treatments also include personalized options for relieving pain. Get more information about supportive care and services.

Supportive Care Services

We offer many ways to help you get relief from cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatments. Our care team coordinates the services that are right for you, which may include swallow therapy and physical therapy. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression our cancer social workers lend a caring ear and help you regain peace of mind.

Read more about supportive care and services.