How to Treat & Beat EC
Treatment(s) for esophageal cancer depend upon the type of esophageal cancer, the extent of the tumors, the locations, and the general condition of the patient. These treatments generally fall into four major categories.
Endoscopic treatments and procedures (earlier stage Esophageal Cancer)
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) — high probability candidate
- Photodynamic therapy
- Laser surgery
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Electrocoagulation and argon plasma coagulation
- Palliative endoscopic treatments and procedure
Surgery (Later Stage)
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) — low probability candidate
- Esophagectomy
- Palliative surgery
Chemotherapy (Almost Always)
- Systematic chemotherapy
- May or may not be given with radiation therapy (chemoradiation)
Radiation Therapy (Later Stage)
- External beam radiation
- Brachytherapy
- May or may not be given with chemotherapy (chemoradiation)
Within each type of treatment, there are various options that may be appropriate for the patient, depending on staging and level of health.
Clinical Trials are also available, but are not recommended as primary means of treatment. Consult your doctor for available treatment.
Ask your Doctor Recommended Questions before electing to move forward with any treatment.
Source: The Web site of the National Cancer Institute
Last updated: April 10, 2012 at 15:29 pm
