Esophagus Cancer

Understanding the disease Treatment options Side effects of treatment

Cancer usually causes narrowing of the esophagus causing obstruction and trouble swallowing

The location of the tumor is measured as the distance from the teeth

Lymph nodes from the esophagus

Lymph Nodes at Risk for GE junction

CT Location of the Lymph Nodes

Reading a CT Scan

Cross Section Anatomy of the Chest

Cross Section Anatomy of the Chest

Normal CT Scan through the esophagus, normally the esophagus has a thin wall

Cancer on CT Scan – the esophagus looks thickened (like a donut)

PET Scan through Middle Esophagus

PET Scan through Lower Esophagus

PET Scan = Cancer in Lower Esophagus

Types of Esophagus Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma (upper or middle, related to smoking_

Adenocarcinoma (lower or where the esophagus joins the stomach (GE junction) related to reflux or GERD (Barrett’s esophagus)

Stages of Esophagus Cancer

Side Effects of Esophagus Radiation

Esophagus – sore throat or trouble swallowing

Trachea or lungs – cough or shortness of breath

Chest wall – tenderness Skin – sunburn Fatigue