What is esophageal cancer?
Like other cancers, esophageal cancer is a condition where abnormal cells – in this case, in the esophagus – grow out of control and are unable to function normally.

What causes esophageal cancer?
It is believed that esophageal cancer is caused by various factors, including medical (the presence of pre-cancerous conditions, such as Barrett’s esophagus) and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol intake, etc.). For more information, see the Signs and Symptoms section of this Web site.

What are my chances of surviving esophageal cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, 16% of Caucasian patients and 10% of African American patients survive at least five years after diagnosis. As these figures refer to patients with all stages of disease, survival rates in earlier stage disease may be higher.

What are the stages of esophageal cancer?
Physicians measure the extent of the disease by conducting tests that allow the doctor to categorize, or “stage,” it. These staging tests include blood analyses, imaging techniques and sometimes additional surgery. Staging allows the doctor to plan the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

The most common system used to stage esophageal cancer is the TNM system, in which “T” refers to the size of the primary tumor and how far it has spread within the esophagus and to nearby organs, “N” refers to cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes and “M” indicates whether the cancer has metastasized (spread to distant organs). For more information on esophageal cancer staging, visit the esophageal staging page at the American Cancer Society 

What are the most common treatments for Esophageal cancer?
Treatment for esophageal cancer usually involves the surgical removal part of the esophagus in a procedure known as an esophagectomy. Additional treatment options may include radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (see our treatment section).

Why should I be treated for esophageal cancer at USC University Hospital?
Internationally recognized for the treatment of complex esophageal disorders, our program serves patients from around the globe. As part of an academic medical center, we treat some of the most difficult cases in the Los Angeles area.

Our esophageal team is comprised of faculty members of the renowned Keck School of Medicine and many have been recognized as some of the Best Doctors in America.

For a physician referral, call 1-800-700-5700.