Esophageal Cancer, The Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge

Esophageal Cancer

Procedures and Treatment

Esophageal cancer occurs in the tube connecting your throat to your stomach, known as the esophagus.

Contact our team to learn more about our esophageal procedures.

Who is at risk of esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer can form due to chronic irritation of the esophagus. Risk factors include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux

Smoking and tobacco use

Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous changes in esophageal cells)

Bile reflux

Obesity

Older age (most cases appear between the ages of 45 and 70)

Male sex (men are 3-4 times more likely than women to develop this type of cancer)

Alcohol consumption

Achalasia (difficulty swallowing due to problems with the esophageal sphincter)

A habit of drinking very hot liquids

A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables

Exposure to radiation in the chest or upper abdomen

What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?

Signs of esophageal cancer typically appear in the later stages. Symptoms include:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Unintentional weight loss

Chest pain or discomfort

Worsening heartburn or indigestion

Coughing

Hoarse voice

Frequently Asked Questions About Esophageal Cancer Surgery

How long is recovery from esophageal surgery?

Patients who have had an esophagectomy will have a hospital stay of about eight days. Once home, it can take eight or more weeks before they can return to more typical eating patterns and about 12 weeks before they can return to work.
Is esophagectomy a major surgery?

An esophagectomy is a major surgery and requires significant recovery time. However, advancements in laparoscopic surgical techniques now allow for surgery with smaller incisions, often resulting in less blood loss and a shorter recovery time for the patient.
Can you eat normally after esophagectomy?
While you recover after esophagectomy, you will be on a modified diet that includes three stages:
- Clear liquid diet
- Full liquid diet
- Soft diet
Since this surgical procedure involves stretching the stomach into more of a tube shape from its typical pouch shape, small, frequent meals are recommended. Additionally, patients will have a feeding tube for the first couple of weeks after their procedure to help replace the nutrients a clear liquid diet tends to lack.
Can esophageal cancer come back after surgery?

Yes, it is possible for esophageal cancer to come back after surgery. In one study of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomies, 23% of participants experienced a recurrence of their esophageal cancer. Therefore, it’s important to continue following up with your physician regularly.

If you experience trouble swallowing or chest pain any time after surgery (even years later), let your doctor know. While these aren’t always signs of recurring cancer, finding and treating the cause of these symptoms in a timely manner can protect your health.

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