Comprehensive Esophageal Cancer Treatment

At the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center, the latest advancements in cancer care are available for patients with esophageal cancer, including robotic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology and clinical trials. Our oncology specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat your specific type and stage of esophageal cancer. As a regional destination for cancer care, our team provides expert care for residents across Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties.

Understanding Esophageal Cancer

Your esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Esophageal cancer is cancer that originates from the esophagus, starting from the inner layer (mucosa) and growing outward through the muscle layer. The cells begin to divide and grow abnormally and out of control, creating a mass or tumor and crowding out normal cells. These malignant (cancerous) cells have lost the behavior of normal cells, which die when they are damaged and have “boundaries” keeping them from spreading to the tissue that surrounds them. If left untreated, esophageal cancer can spread to other sites in the body.

Early stage esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. To assist with developing a treatment plan, cancer is staged from I (one) to IV (four) and is a method of measuring how much cancer is in the body. A higher number, such as stage IV, means that the cancer has spread outside of the body site where it began.

Some signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer may include:

  • A hoarse voice or cough that doesn't go away
  • Painful or difficulty swallowing
  • Weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your primary care provider to determine next steps for screening and diagnosis.

Weekly Cancer Conference Offers Customized Care

Our expert cancer specialists work together as a team during your care at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center. A Cancer Conference is held regularly so all providers on your team meet together to discuss your cancer and your treatment options. A radiologist and pathologist also meet with this team. This meeting allows all providers to collaborate with each other, so you get individualized care that is specific to your esophogeal cancer, but from the expertise of an entire team.

Multi-Specialty Team Provides the Highest Quality Care

Our skilled team is dedicated to providing the highest quality cancer care to each of our patients. We offer compassionate, individualized care to meet the needs of each person with esophageal cancer. The multi-specialty approach is comprised of a team of Board Certified medical professionals, including:

  • Surgeons
  • Medical oncologists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Pathologists
  • Radiologists

Support for Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Throughout your diagnosis and esophageal cancer treatment we will help you focus solely on getting well. We are here to answer any questions about our wide range of support services, including:

Esophageal Cancer Clinical Trials

Your medical team will review new and promising clinical trials that specifically treat esophageal cancer. If you meet the clinical trial criteria, you have the opportunity to talk more with your provider to determine if a clinical trial is right for you.

For More Information About Esophageal Cancer

To learn more about our esophageal cancer services, please contact one of our team members at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center at 360-814-2146. We can help you make an appointment with an esophageal cancer care physician at one of our convenient locations.

For more information on esophageal cancer, visit these trusted sites:

American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute