Esophageal Cancer treatment in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is esophageal cancer?
The esophagus is the tube that carries our food from the mouth to the stomach. When you experience esophageal cancer, it is when a clump of cells grows abnormally and develops into a tumor. Esophageal cancer is classified into two different types. They are:
- Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus: The most common type that develops from the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that develops from cells that are on the inside lining of the esophagus.
Contact our team of experts in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, at GI Alliance of Illinois to learn more about how we can properly treat this condition.
What are the symptoms and causes of esophageal cancer?
While the exact cause of esophageal cancer is not yet known, it can be traced back to certain factors. These determinants involve age, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), your diet, smoking, and Barrett’s esophagus. Other factors that contribute include alcohol and certain chemicals and pollutants that can possibly increase your risk.
When in the early stages, it is possible that you won't have any symptoms. As time goes on and the cancer grows, you can experience difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chest pain, frequent choking, indigestion, coughing, or hoarseness. For more information on the symptoms and causes, schedule a consultation with our team at GI Alliance of Illinois in Chicago, IL.
How is esophageal cancer diagnosed and treated?
Your team at GI Alliance of Illinois can detect esophageal cancer by asking a few questions about the certain symptoms you are experiencing. We can also detect this type of cancer by doing a comprehensive examination. We may also order certain tests that can assist in your diagnosis. Some of these tests may include:
- Barium X-rays: An x-ray where barium is used to diagnose tumors or other abnormal areas. You are asked to drink a liquid that contains barium while X-rays are taken. The barium coats the walls of the esophagus and stomach and makes the abnormalities more clearly visible.
- Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure in which a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera is used to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed and examined under the microscope to look for abnormal cells.
Chemotherapy is one way to treat esophageal cancer. You can also undergo radiotherapy and surgery if the cancer hasn't quite yet reached a critical state. If you undergo surgery and it removes the portion of your esophagus that contains the tumor and nearby lymph nodes, it is called esophagectomy. Any remaining sections of your esophagus will then be connected to your stomach. Reliable treatment for your esophageal cancer is only one appointment away. Request an appointment with our GI providers in our Illinois location for more information.
The experts in GI tract cancers
If you are at risk for esophageal cancer you deserve to be diagnosed and treated by one of our expert GI providers. Contact our network of physician-led GI specialists in Illinois for more information on how we can treat the issue. We are familiar with various types of cancer of the GI tract and will use our knowledge to your advantage. Partner with one of our GI providers today at GI Alliance of Illinois so you can properly manage your health.
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Good GI. Is the really god Doc.
Hard to leave a meaningful review as I have only experienced a pre-procedure consultation. My limited view is: Dr. Robinson is personable. He appears to be knowledgeable and open to questions. So far so good! More after Feb, 2023. '
Ive had the pleasure of having Dr. Daksesh Patel for my doctor, I like his kind mild manner, as he listens when I speak and tell him of my concerns, and how Im feeling. He”s very thorough in the actions he takes, covering all basis, and options, to finding a solution to getting me to feel better.I appreciate him and I thank him for being a great doctor. Cassondra Cole
Excellent experience. I left with a full understanding of the procedure and results
Dr. Dorfmeister is great! She is caring, thorough, and an active listener. Highly recommend her.
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