Esophageal Cancer at the Cancer Institute
Esophageal cancer can appear as a lump, a narrowing or an abnormal flat spot on the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube of muscle that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
The Esophageal Program at Cedars-Sinai specializes in disorders of the esophagus, which affect an estimated 15 million Americans each year.
A Multidisciplinary Team of Specialists
Under the leadership of Jeffrey Conklin, MD, Medical Director, Surgical Director, the Esophageal Center at Cedars-Sinai brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide leading-edge diagnostic services and treatment of esophageal disorders.
The team includes gastroenterologists, general and thoracic surgeons, swallowing therapists, radiologists, neurologists, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists and nurses.
Our experts blend state-of-the-art technologies, compassionate care and the most up-to-date and effective treatments to serve patients. When radiation or chemotherapy is required, patients have access to the world-class experts at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. Almost all radiation and chemotherapy can be done on an outpatient basis at the center.
State-of-the-Art Technology for Diagnosing Esophageal Cancer
At the Esophageal Center, advanced diagnostic technology is used to make timely and accurate diagnoses. These tests include:
- Video fluoroscopic swallowing studies. An X-rays of the mouth and throat are videotaped as the patient swallows barium. The video X-ray images are reviewed later in slow motion to find any swallowing problems of the mouth or throat.
- Computed tomography (CT)scans take a series of X-rays and uses a computer to build a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body.
- Positron Emission Tomography. PET scans use small doses of chemicals (radionuclides) attached to a sugar. The radionuclides emit positrons, which are picked up and used to create an image. The image shows metabolic activity in cells. Because cancer cells grow faster than normal tissue and use more sugar, they appear as a higher number on the scan.
- Upper GI endoscopy is a test that lets the doctor see the inside of the esophagus, stomach and the first part of small intestine. Samples of cells can be taken from abnormal tissues for examination under a microscope (a biopsy) during this test. Special instruments also can be passed through the endoscope to treat some disorders.
- Endoscopic ultrasound. This uses sound waves to create an image of the esophagus and surrounding tissue. This type of imaging is helpful in evaluating abnormal growths in and around the esophagus.
