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Be empowered.

Esophagus cancer (also called esophageal cancer) is a type of gastrointestinal cancer that affects the soft tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Typically, the cancer starts on the inside lining anywhere along the esophagus. Today, options for treating esophagus cancer, including radiation therapy, continue to advance. Throughout your cancer journey—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship—your medical care team is with you every step of the way

Esophagus cancer makes up approximately 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S., but it is much more common in other parts of the world, such as northern China, India and Iran.

Esophagus cancer is more common among men than among women worldwide.

Smoking and heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of esophagus cancer.

Esophagus cancer

Your treatment plan

There are different treatment options for esophagus cancer. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the type, location, and size of the tumor as well as your age and general health.

The two main types of esophagus cancer are squamous cell carcinoma occurring along the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma that mainly occurs in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. Treatment is mostly the same for each type.

Many patients are treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Esophagus cancer

Radiation therapy treatment techniques

There are different types of radiation therapy—sometimes called radiotherapy or “RT”—for esophagus cancer, including:

Esophagus cancer

Possible side effects

Side effects are cumulative, which means they can develop over several weeks or months as the body responds to radiation. You can ask your radiation oncologist what you might expect from your specific treatment. Every patient’s treatment is different, but these are some common side effects of esophagus cancer radiation therapy:

  • Skin reaction where the radiation is given
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Painful sores in the mouth and throat
  • Dry mouth or thick saliva
Esophagus cancer

Your EBRT treatment journey

When it comes to preparing for your esophagus cancer treatment, knowledge is power. That includes knowing what to expect during your treatment journey so you can move forward one informed and empowered step at a time. Here is a brief outline of what you can expect during external beam radiation treatment. The details of some steps may differ, depending on your particular case.

Step 1: Consultation

First, you'll meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss what type of radiation treatment options are recommended for your specific case, and make a decision together about your treatment.

Step 2: Simulation

As part of your treatment planning, the exact area of the tumor must first be determined. This is usually done using a CT scan, short for computed tomography, providing a detailed 3-D image of the treatment area using x-rays. Sometimes temporary skin marks or even tiny tattoos (about the size of a freckle) are made on your body to help the radiation therapist position you correctly each day for treatment.

Step 3: Treatment planning

After simulation is complete, your radiation oncologist will develop your personalized treatment plan, taking into account the location and type of cancer you have, your medical history, lab tests, and other factors—all to determine your best course of treatment. Typical treatment with radiation therapy will require you to come for treatment five days a week.

Step 4: Positioning for treatment

On your treatment days, your radiation therapist will position you on the radiation machine’s treatment couch. The couch will be adjusted so the radiation laser targets the small mark that was put on your skin during your simulation, ensuring you are properly aligned for treatment.

Step 5: Start of treatment

The radiation is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator, or linac. Most linacs have a gantry, which will move around you to deliver the radiation. You won’t see, hear, feel or smell the beam. Treatment sessions usually take approximately 15 minutes. Your first treatment session may be a little longer.

Step 6: Post-treatment and follow-up care

Every patient is different, but most patients can continue daily activities during treatment, despite side effects such as fatigue. After your final treatment, your radiation oncologist will schedule periodic follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and the results of your treatment.

Esophagus cancer

Helpful resources for esophagus cancer

Questions to ask

Some important things you may want to find out from your doctor before undergoing treatment for esophagus cancer.

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