Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Bangalore

Item: Dr. Sandeep Nayak - Oncologist in Bangalore, India
Rating: 2
Author: Macs clinic

Cancer is one of the toughest battles of life. However, with the proper treatment, everything is possible. At MACS Clinic, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best surgical oncologists in India, offers world-class and personalized cancer treatment to each patient. He specializes in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of malignancies, including esophageal cancer.

Fighting cancer, whether esophageal or another type, can be exhausting, but it is never something you have to do alone. Dr. Sandeep Nayak is committed to assisting his patients regardless of their situation. At MACS Clinic, he endeavors to provide comprehensive and result-oriented esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India.

Moreover, Dr. Sandeep Nayak has expertise in laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgeries. Thanks to these cutting-edge surgical techniques, cancer treatment in Bangalore is more successful and less invasive than ever before.

If you are looking for the most-effective esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India, this article can help.

DR. SANDEEP NAYAK

MBBS, MRCSEd, DNB (Gen Surg),
MNAMS (Gen Surg), DNB (Surgical Oncology)

Fellowship in Laparoscopic and Robotic Onco-Surgery.
Dr Nayak is one of the leading senior Surgical Oncologists (cancer surgeon) of Bangalore. He is one of the pioneers of Laproscopic (laparoscopic) cancer treatment (surgery). Read More..

DR. BHARATH .G

EDUCATION

MBBS from KIMS, Bangalore

MS from NHLMMC, Ahmedabad

M.Ch Surgical oncology from Tata Memorial hospital,Mumbai

WORK EXPERIENCE

Assistant Professor in RRMCH, Bangalore

The Advantages Of Robotic And Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery Over Conventional Open Surgery Include

LEAST PAIN & DISCOMFORT

LESS BLOOD LOSS

BETTER PRESERVATION OF PELVIC NERVES MAINTAINING THE SEXUAL & URINARY FUNCTIONS

COSMETICALLY BETTER (SMALLEST WOUND & SCAR)

SHORT HOSPITAL STAY

AVOID UNNECESSARY MAJOR SURGERY

LEAST WOUND COMPLICATIONS VERY LESS RISK OF WOUND INFECTION ESPECIALLY AFTER COLOSTOMY

NO PROLONGED STARVATION; BOWEL MOVEMENTS RECOVER MUCH QUICKER

QUICKER RETURN TO NORMAL LIFE & WORK

GET ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

BETTER VISION QUALITY FOR THE SURGEON

Apart from above the advantages specific to esophageal cancer include

Chest need not be opened at all- No wound, no long term pain and discomfort.
Breathe easy. Lung related problems (pneumonia) happen in 40-60% of traditional open cases. This risk is reduced by robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery.
The cancer clearance and lymph node dissection is better as vision quality is better (when done by experts).

Symptoms And Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer

Colonic cancers can come with anemia due to slow loss of blood or with obstruction to bowel. However, these symptoms occur only when the disease is infiltrated locally. Screening methods are available that can detect colonic and rectal cancer before symptoms appear (stage 0). When detected early, these cases can be cured with much simpler surgery.

Screening methods are available to detect esophageal cancer before symptoms appear (stage 0). These cases, if detected early, can be treated with much less invasive surgery. There are no early symptoms for esophageal cancer.

The most common symptoms that appear after the disease grows are:

Indigestion and heartburn could be one of the earliest symptoms.
Difficulty or pain when swallowing is the most common symptom
Pain in the chest, behind the breastbone
Regurgitation or vomiting soon after eating.
Weight loss
Coughing
Hoarseness

Endosopic examination of the esophagus and stomach provides the tissue sample for confirmation of the cancer. After a thorough diagnosis, depending on the type and stage of cancer, Dr. Sandeep Nayak determines the most appropriate and effective esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India.

What is Esophageal Cancer?

The esophagus, also known as the food pipe or gullet, is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. The oesophagus is around 40 cm long and passes from the neck to the abdomen.

The esophagus runs inside the chest, behind the windpipe (trachea), the heart, and in front of the spine. It is divided into three sections within the chest to facilitate treatment: upper, middle, and lower thoracic (chest) esophagus.

Just before entering the stomach, the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. Esophageal cancer develops from the innermost lining, the mucosa.

Esophageal cancer can occur in two forms adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in the neck, upper and middle thoracic portions of the esophagus, whereas adenocarcinoma is more common in the lower end.

Now, let’s discuss,

Staging & Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Dr. Sandeep Nayak prioritizes patients’ health and well-being above all else. As a well-qualified and experienced oncologist in India, he provides esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore that is minimally invasive, safe and efficient.

The definite stage of esophageal cancer can only be confirmed after surgery. At present, surgery is the only treatment that can cure this cancer. Most treatment is planned based on a CT scan or PET CT scan staging.

Stage 0 & I

These cancers are limited to the innermost layer (mucosa) and the layer just deep to it but not reaching the muscle layer. At this stage, the cancer is usually not symptomatic. These are diagnosed mostly by chance (unless in a screening program). These are treated with endoscopic surgery or esophagectomy, depending on additional investigations.

Stage II

In most of these patients, surgery may be the initial treatment. Another option often opted for is giving chemotherapy with radiation therapy followed by surgery. However, surgery is the only treatment that can cure this cancer.
This increases the chance of cure but increases the risk of complications during and after surgery. The surgeon takes the decision based on the findings. Chemotherapy alone before surgery helps in some cases only.

Stage III

This stage includes locally advanced cancers that can be treated surgically. On the other hand, surgery is not an option if vital structures such as major blood vessels or the heart are involved. In such cases, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is preferred.

Stage IV

Stage IV cancer has spread to other organs such as the liver and lungs. The disease is treated with chemotherapy or palliative and supportive care at this stage. Chemotherapy and radiation are commonly used to treat esophageal cancers in the neck and upper part of the chest.

Surgery for Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a competent surgical oncologist in Bangalore, India, has extensive experience performing cancer surgeries using minimally invasive procedures, resulting in shorter hospitalization and faster patient recovery.

The most common surgery utilized to treat esophageal cancer is esophagectomy (trans-thoracic esophagectomy, trans-hiatal esophagectomy, thoracoabdominal esophagectomy, etc.).

During the surgery, the doctor removes the esophagus. Then, the surgeon connects the remaining healthy part of the esophagus to the stomach so that the patient can swallow normally. Sometimes the stomach or a section of the intestine is used to make the connection. The surgeon also removes the lymph nodes surrounding the esophagus.

Based on the location of the tumour and the surgeon’s expertise, esophagectomy can be performed in various ways. Team MACS employs Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy, or Thoraco-laparoscopic Esophagectomy to achieve the best results. These surgeries can be performed more comfortably with the help of a robot.

Surgeries for Supportive Care

Palliative or supportive surgery may help patients eat and ease swallowing difficulties when curative surgery is not possible or is delayed due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy

esophagus cancer

Feeding tube insertion (usually jejunostomy) is done so that a person can receive nutrition directly into the stomach or intestine. This procedure can be combined with staging laparoscopy in case of tumors of the lower esophagus or junction of the stomach and esophagus. This may be done before chemotherapy and radiation therapy to ensure that the patient can eat enough food to maintain their weight and strength during treatment.
Put an esophageal stent into the esophagus (SEMS). An esophageal stent is a metal mesh device that is expanded to keep the esophagus open.

FAQs

Can esophageal cancer spread to the stomach?

If it passes through the esophagal wall, it can spread to lymph nodes, tiny bean-shaped organs that help fight infection, blood arteries in the chest, and other surrounding organs. Esophageal cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, and stomach.

Can esophageal cancer go undiagnosed for a longer period?

While esophageal cancer is uncommon compared to other cancers, it can be challenging to detect earlier because there are usually no symptoms. As cancer progresses, symptoms may be misdiagnosed as typical gastrointestinal disorders. As a result, esophageal cancer can go undetected for years until symptoms become severe enough to warrant testing.

What can one expect following esophageal cancer surgery?

You can take a few steps if you are concerned about your upcoming esophageal cancer surgery. One of the best ways to put your mind at ease is to have your surgery performed by a competent surgical oncologist at a reputable cancer hospital in India. This increases your chances of avoiding complications and having a successful surgery.

How long does an esophagectomy take to recover?

Most patients get discharged within one week of surgery. However, patients should expect six to eight weeks of recovery and changes in their eating habits following the surgery. Most patients benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals after esophagectomy.

Is it possible to eat normally after an esophagectomy?

Yes, You will be on a liquid diet at first. You can only eat soft foods for the first 4 to 8 weeks following surgery.
A soft diet comprises mashed foods that don’t need much chewing. When you return to a regular diet, avoid steak and other fatty foods because they may be difficult to swallow.