Cancer Centers in Glendale & Scottsdale, AZ
At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to help our patients battle even the most severe forms of cancer through high-quality, cutting-edge treatments. As a leading provider of cancer treatment in the Phoenix area, we operate six state-of-the-art treatment centers located throughout Glendale, Scottsdale, Payson, and the greater Phoenix area, and we work to personalize care for our patients. We understand that the fight against cancer can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help – and to help you understand your condition, we’ve compiled a few of the most common questions about esophageal & stomach cancer alongside their answers.
Common Questions About Esophageal & Stomach Cancer
What is esophageal & stomach cancer?
Technically speaking, esophageal cancer and stomach cancer are two separate conditions, referring to cancerous growths that form in the cells of the esophagus and the stomach, respectively. However, they’re often lumped together because they’re both fairly rare and both start in the GI tract.
What causes esophageal & stomach cancer?
As with most cancers, scientists don’t fully understand the direct causal mechanisms of E&S cancer, but research has identified a number of reliable risk factors. Risk factors are variables that, if present, increase the likelihood of someone developing E&S cancer at some point in their lifetime. The main risk factors for esophageal and stomach cancers include:
- Tobacco & Alcohol: Anyone who smokes heavily (a pack or more a day) or drinks heavily (2 or more drinks per day) is at a significantly increased risk for both esophageal and stomach cancers.
- Diet: People who eat a diet that’s high in sodium and starches but low in fiber are at a higher risk for esophageal and stomach cancer.
- Age: Esophageal and stomach cancer is much more likely in people over age 50.
- Genetics: People with a family history of esophageal and stomach cancer are more likely to develop it.
What are the signs and symptoms of E&S cancer?
The symptoms of esophageal and stomach cancers can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the condition, and unfortunately, they may not produce symptoms until an advanced stage. That said, any of the following may be signs of E&S cancer:
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
- Nausea, indigestion, and vomiting
- Blood in stool or vomit
- A lump in the throat
- Hoarseness or a change in the voice
- General fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling very full after eating only a small meal
What are the treatments for esophageal and stomach cancer?
Treatment options for E&S cancer vary depending on the specifics of the patient and the condition, and only you and your doctor can decide which treatments are right for you. The most common treatments for esophageal and stomach cancers include:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
Often, your cancer doctor may decide to combine two or more of these treatments to achieve the best outlook.
If I have stomach surgery, will I still be able to eat?
In many cases, patients who have surgery for esophageal and stomach cancer only need to make minor adjustments to their diet. In a partial gastrectomy, in which a part of the stomach is removed, many patients may not need to change their diet at all. In a whole gastrectomy, where the entire stomach is removed, patients may need to make some changes to diet but can still chew and swallow food as normally.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Phoenix Cancer Center
Whether you’re facing esophageal, stomach, or any other form of cancer, the treatment team at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists is committed to helping you beat it. We’re proud to offer some of the most advanced cancer treatments in the world in each of our six centers, and we’ll work with you to make cancer treatment fit your lifestyle. Contact us today – we’ll help you beat cancer and reclaim the healthy, normal life you deserve.
