Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer begins in the innermost layer of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat with the stomach.
As the cancer grows, it moves outward through the layers of the esophageal wall and also inward, blocking the esophageal opening.
Why Choose Us
At the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, our experts work to provide every patient with the best chance of survival and highest quality of life.
Our esophageal cancer team is made up of specialists from gastroenterology, thoracic oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and other specialties. They consult together on each case to determine the best possible treatment plan for every individual.
Treatment Options
Esophageal cancer treatment options — including, open or minimally invasive surgery, proton therapy, cryotherapy and chemotherapy — largely depend on the stage at which the cancer is detected.
Treating esophageal cancer requires the high level of expertise found at a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center such as UMGCCC. We offer the latest treatments for some of the most complex forms of cancer of the esophagus, including:
- Tri-modality therapy. UMGCCC doctors are particularly experienced in offering well-coordinated trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer. This approach involves using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy on advanced stage cancers.
- Proton therapy. Some patients are better served by the very targeted approach of proton therapy. UMGCCC's patients have access to this cutting-edge treatment.
- Clinical trials. UMGCCC's doctors are leading researchers in their fields and always looking for better ways to treat cancer. As such, they can offer clinical trials that give patients early access to promising new treatments not yet widely available.
- A dedicated Thoracic Surgery Inpatient Unit (TIMC). After surgery, patients recover on a unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center dedicated solely to caring for thoracic surgery patients,. Doctors and nurses better understand the needs of patients recovering from surgery in the chest area.
Make an Appointment
At UMGCCC, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the disease. Our array of support services help patients and families cope with the stress that accompanies a major illness.
We make every effort to schedule new patient consultations within 24 to 48 hours. To schedule a consultation or refer a patient, call us at 410-328-7904 or at 1-800-888-8823 if outside the Baltimore Metro area.
