Esophageal cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way in the esophagus. The esophagus is the hollow tube that moves food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. It is made up of mucous membrane, muscle and connective tissue. Esophageal cancer usually starts at the inside lining of the esophagus and spreads out through the other layers as it grows.
The two most common forms of esophageal cancer are named for the type of cells that become malignant or cancerous:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in the thin, flat cells lining the esophagus. It can occur anywhere along the esophagus. It is most often in the upper and middle part of the esophagus.
- Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in the cells that produce mucus. This type of cancer often forms in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.
We have a full range of services to prevent, screen for, diagnose and treat esophageal cancer. This includes the most advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments and surgeries.
The cancer specialists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center are leaders in the field. Our team includes medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologist and pathologists. All specialists work together with other support services to provide you with the latest advances in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and resources.
Why You Should Choose The University Of Kansas Cancer Center
Experience
If you have esophageal cancer, you will find the leading specialists you need at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Our interdisciplinary team of oncologist and gastrointestinal specialists have years of experience treating hundreds of patients with esophageal cancer.
Academic Approach
Because we are an academic center, we offer some of the region's most advanced and most aggressive surgical treatments. We are constantly finding new treatments to improve lives. We use state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects. We also use the latest findings in cancer research.
Community
Our staffs also are accustomed to working with community health care providers. In many cases, you can receive some of your treatment near your own home in coordination with the specialist staff at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Care Coordination
Each person is unique, so we tailor your care to your personal needs. This means doctors, nurses, speech therapists, dieticians and other staff work closely together. They discuss every patient’s treatment as a team in a multidisciplinary tumor board to stay up to date on your care and treatment.
Clinical Trials
We are part of many national clinical trials on cancer treatment. Many of our clinical scientists also design innovative cancer treatment clinical trials to advance cancer treatment. So, you benefit from our staff’s exposure to innovative drugs and methods as your treatment options. You also may be able to take part in a clinical trial for esophageal cancer during your treatment.
To Make an Appointment:
Call: 913.588.1227
Toll free 800.332.6048
Referring Physicians:
Call:913.588.5862
Toll free 877.588.5862