The esophagus is a long, tube-like organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Stage 1 cancer of the esophagus is the least severe stage and the one with the highest chance of treatment success. During Stage 1, the cancer is confined to the superficial layers of the organ and has not spread to neighboring tissues or lymph nodes.
Surgery
This type of cancer is surgically treatable, due to the fact that it has not spread to other organs and can be removed with little damage to the esophagus and other nearby structures. These treatments are usually carried out under general anesthesia and are followed up with radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
Chemotherapy
When drugs are used to kill cancer cells, this treatment is known as chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be done before, after or instead of surgery in people who are not healthy enough or don't want major surgery. Chemotherapy is often combined with radiation treatments to effectively treat cancer.
Radiation
Radiation treatment uses high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells in the esophageal tissues. Radiation can be administered from outside the body, which is known as external beam radiation. The radiation may be administered from inside the body as well; this is called brachytherapy. Radiation is usually done before or after surgery in combination with chemotherapy.
References
- Esophageal Cancer : Treatment Methods
- Cancer: Esophageal Cancer: Stage 1
- Esophageal Cancer:Information for Patients
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, et. al.; 2005
