Cancer of the esophagus can be painful and potentially fatal. But if caught early enough, the cancer can be treated effectively and the patient can make a full recovery. This article is focused on esophageal cancer – its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Here are some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate an esophageal cancer diagnosis:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe heartburn or indigestion
• Chest pain
• Excessive coughing

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, make an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist today. Diagnosis is an essential first step in treatment. Many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions so it’s important to determine the root cause of your symptoms before forging ahead with treatment. An accurate diagnosis can be confirmed using one or more diagnostic tests (blood tests, EGD, biopsy, etc.).

Treating Esophageal Cancer

Once your physician has confirmed a cancer diagnosis, you can begin to form a treatment strategy. Treating esophageal cancer requires a multi-faceted approach and is highly patient-specific. Depending on the extent of the cancer, you may benefit from radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or surgery. Each patient is different and you should always discuss your options with a physician who knows your situation before making a treatment decision.

Bhatti Surgery

When you’re dealing with a esophageal cancer, it’s important to work with a physician you trust. The providers at Bhatti Surgery have years of experience treating a wide range of conditions. Contact us today at Bhatti Surgery to set up your appointment with one of our specialists. Our clinics are located in Edina and Chaska, but we provide care to patients throughout the Twin Cities.