Oesophageal Cancer Treatment

Oesophageal cancer is a malignant disease in which cancer is formed in the esophagus an organ that connects the throat to the stomach. Oesophageal Cancer Treatment in Israel is determined by the stage of the malignant process, at “Herzliya Medical Center” Private Hospital it is usually treated with surgery and conservative measures.
The malignant tumor can develop in any segment of the esophagus: the upper, middle or lower, or on the border of the stomach. There are two main types of oesophageal cancer. The most frequent ones are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cells line the inner esophagus; cancer developing from squamous cells can occur along the entire esophagus. Adenocarcinoma develops from gland cells. In the development of esophageal cancer, important dietary habits play a role: alcohol abuse, lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet, drinking excessively hot food or liquids. One of the other fundamental factors is smoking or chewing tobacco.

Oesophageal cancer symptoms

Diagnosis of esophageal cancer in the early stages is a significant challenge as the signs of the disease may be missing or wearing ill-defined character. At later stages of the development of esophageal cancer, symptoms are:

• Dysphagia – swallowing violation
• Weight loss without explicable reasons
• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Weakness
• Frequent hiccups or belching
• Cough, hoarseness

Complications of esophageal cancer include:

• Obstruction – obstruction of the esophagus
• Pain syndrome
• Bleeding
• Sudden weight loss and depletion

Oesophageal cancer diagnosis

At “Herzliya Medical Center” Private Hospital for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer an esophago gastroduodenoscopy is performed; an examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum with an endoscope. The endoscope is a flexible optical instrument with a light source and a miniature video camera. Through the endoscope, the doctor examines the upper gastrointestinal tract and makes a finding of a tumor, its size and precise localization. Through the channel of an endoscope, the doctor takes cells or tissue from the esophagus and the cells are examined under a microscope for the presence of malignant cells.

If the diagnosis of esophageal cancer is confirmed, further measures are needed to determine the exact stage of the cancer process. To set the exact dimensions of tumors, the degree of penetration into adjacent organs and the presence of distant metastasis, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography is performed. For suspected metastases in the airways, a produce bronchoscopy is conducted.

Oesophageal tumor treatment in Israel

Treatment of esophageal cancer in Israel is planned according to the stage of cancer. Typically, it involves surgery to remove the tumor. Small tumors can be removed under endoscopy. When larger tumors are diagnosed a partial resection of the esophagus (esophagectomy) is required. In the later stages of the surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer in Israel, a resection of the upper part of the stomach and lymph node dissection is needed. Surgery for cancer of the esophagus may be palliative and performed to remove the obstruction of the esophagus; for this purpose, stenting is performed- implantation of a device that supports the esophageal wall or dilation – mechanical expansion of the esophageal lumen using silicone bougies.

The majority of oncologists recommend patients with oesophageal cancer at “Herzliya Medical Center” to undergo chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery is appointed. It helps to reduce the volume of the tumor and makes it possible to focus on its removal as part of the surgical intervention. Adjuvant (postoperative) chemotherapy is used to kill residual cancer cells.
For patients with inoperable tumors, chemotherapy may be used as an independent method of treatment to control the growth of the tumor and relieve symptoms.

During the treatment of patients with oesophageal cancer, a focus on a balanced diet after surgery to replenish the body’s energy is needed. At the “Herzliya Medical Center” Private Hospital, nutrition plans for patients with cancer of the oesophagus are made ​​with the participation of a clinical dietitian. When needed parenteral (intravenous) nutrition is applied.

Oesophageal cancer surgery is carried out by leading oncologists at HMC, who have years of experience with oesphageal treatment.