Why choose Geisinger for esophageal care?
You’ll work with a team that treats more esophageal cancer cases than any other provider in the region — meaning it’s expertise you can trust. Your care team includes surgeons and oncologists who build a treatment plan around your needs. Through the exclusive MyCode® Community Health Initiative, we identify genetic risks that allow for proactive screenings and insights so you can manage your health with confidence.
From nurse navigators to nutrition and financial counseling, you’ll have the resources needed to manage your treatment at our local centers. Our support continues long after treatment through lifelong survivorship resources focused on your recovery.
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FAQs
What are the risk factors for esophageal cancer?
While some factors are out of your control, some lifestyle choices and medical conditions can increase your risk, including:
- Tobacco use: Tobacco is the single largest risk factor, linked to 85% of esophageal cancer.
- Alcohol use: Prolonged, heavy alcohol use also significantly increases your risk.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): When stomach acid frequently backs up into the esophagus, it can damage the lining. While common, chronic GERD can lead to more serious conditions.
- Barrett’s esophagus: Long-term acid reflux can cause changes to the tissue lining the lower esophagus. This condition can also lead to an increased risk.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors: Obesity, a diet high in processed meats, and certain environmental exposures can also play a role in your risk levels.
What are esophageal cancer symptoms?
In early stages, symptoms may be subtle or nonexistent. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unintentional, significant weight loss
- Pain, pressure or burning in your chest
- Worsening indigestion or heartburn
- Coughing or hoarseness
- Frequent choking, especially with bread, raw vegetables and meat
If you have these symptoms, it’s not necessarily cancer. Talk to your doctor to find the underlying cause.
How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
Our team uses definitive testing to identify cancer at all stages, including its earliest and most treatable forms. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Physical examination: Your doctor will check for physical signs, such as lumps in the neck or chest, and discuss your health history.
- Endoscopy: Using a small scope, your doctor can examine the hard-to-see areas of the esophagus and head and neck region.
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope to detect the presence of cancer cells.
- Imaging tests: We use CT, MRI and PET scans to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body and determine if cancer has spread.
- Barium swallow: You’ll swallow a chalky substance that coats your esophagus, making tumors or abnormalities clearly visible on an X-ray.
- Blood tests: These let us look for specific indicators of cancer and monitor how your body is responding to treatment.
Esophageal cancer care at Geisinger
With their depth of experience, our esophageal cancer specialists handle common and complex cases. This program provides:
- Multidisciplinary expertise: Your care team includes surgeons and oncologists who collaborate to build a treatment plan around your specific needs.
- Regional leadership and support: From nurse navigators to nutrition counseling and financial coordination, you’ll have the resources needed to manage your journey at our nationally recognized clinics.
- Genetic innovation: Programs like MyCode® help us detect the earliest signs of cancer risk, allowing for proactive intervention and personalized care.
- Lifelong survivorship: Your support continues after treatment with resources focused on helping you live your healthiest life during recovery.