Risk Factors, Screening and Diagnosis | Personalized Treatment | Research and Clinical Trials | Additional Patient Support
Esophageal cancer forms in tissues lining the esophagus—the muscular tube through which food passes from the back of the throat to the stomach. More commonly occurring among men than women, identifiable risk factors for esophageal cancer include obesity, Barrett's Esophagus and acid reflux disease.
The experienced specialists at NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center combine the most advanced scientific knowledge and technology with a comprehensive approach to the care of patients with esophageal cancer.
Drawing from the diverse experience of physicians, surgeons, nurses, researchers and a host of other highly trained healthcare professionals, the Kellogg Cancer Center team is dedicated to putting patients—and families—at the center of a healthcare experience that delivers collaborative, compassionate care.
Patients who are newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer have the added support of a specialized oncology nurse navigator to guide them through their diagnosis and treatment.
Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors, Screening and Diagnosis
Kellogg Cancer Center’s emphasis on early detection allows our expert team of specialists to diagnose a greater proportion of early stage esophageal cancer cases. This increases the likelihood of being treated with minimally invasive techniques leading to improved outcomes.
NorthShore’s Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Program, brings additional specialized expertise to our patients with esophageal cancer. This sophisticated technology is becoming more important in helping to diagnose, precisely stage and treat benign and malignant gastrointestinal tumors.
Personalized Esophageal Cancer Treatment
Our multidisciplinary team meets regularly in a multidisciplinary conference to discuss your case in detail and to design a personalized treatment plan. For esophageal cancer, your team may include your medical oncologist, surgeon, endoscopists, gastroenterologist, radiation oncologist, oncology nurse, geneticist, pathologist, nutritionist, pharmacist, interventional radiologist, social worker and researchers, all focused on you. This "meeting of the minds" provides critical input, resulting in an individualized care plan outlining the best course of action for your care. Multimodal strategies combining chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are often used to maximize outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer.
The genomic and molecular profile of each individual case is carefully analyzed for important and actionable changes. An integral part of therapy, this analysis helps determine the optimal choice of treatment. NorthShore’s in-house facilities ensure a rapid turn-around time and flexibility in testing.
For esophageal cancer treatment, Kellogg patients have as part of their care team highly trained endoscopists. Board-certified gastroenterologists, they have special training in using sophisticated technology to diagnose and determine the stage and severity of the esophageal cancer.
In addition, our cancer care team includes specially-trained surgeons, who perform minimally-invasive esophagectomy. This treatment involves removing a portion of a patient’s esophagus to treat advanced stage esophageal cancers and facilitates more rapid recovery from the surgery.
Research and Clinical Trials
A vital research enterprise allows Kellogg patients access to the latest drugs and treatment options, as well as a wide array of clinical trials.
Additional Patient Support
Kellogg Cancer Center’s unique services and resources assist patients and family members with a variety of challenges they may face from diagnosis, treatment and beyond. A wide array of support services are available to patients that include our integrative medicine services, financial advocacy and survivorship, to name a few.
The Kellogg Cancer Center also offers a comprehensive smoking cessation program for patients and their families.
For More Information
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, please call 847.570.2112.