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Esophageal cancer

Find out more about the causes and symptoms, and the most commonly used diagnostic tests and treatment types for esophageal tumors on this page.

Click here to read more about the NKI Esophageal and stomach cancer Center and our specialists, news, and innovations.

Causes and symptoms esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer develops in the lining of the esophagus – the mucus membrane. There are two types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the mucus membrane lining the esophagus, the squamous epithelium. Adenocarcinoma usually develops at the bottom of the esophagus, where the mucus membrane slowly turns into intestinal lining.

Common symptoms of esophageal cancer are:

  • weight loss
  • slow passing of food through the esophagus
  • pain behind the sternum during meals

Diagnosis

The following diagnostic tests may be done to confirm or rule out esophageal cancer:

5 days

rapid diagnostics

We offer rapid diagnostics for stomach and esophageal cancer every Wednesday. The wait times depend on the moment of referral, but new patients can usually come in on the following Wednesday.

Treatment options esophageal cancer

Your exact treatment options will depend on the tumor type and stage. Your overall health and shape will also affect your options. We will inform you about the process beforehand, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. Your treatment will most likely consist of one or more of the following treatments:

Read more about scheduling your appointment or second opinion

Team Maagkanker Slokdarmkanker

NKI Esophageal and Stomach Cancer Center

Read more on this page about the NKI Esophageal and Stomach cancer center, our specialists, the satisfaction of our patients and innovative developments.
NKI Esophageal and Stomach Cancer Center
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