Esophageal cancer can develop anywhere along the esophagus’s length (the long and hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach). In certain cases of esophageal cancer, surgery is performed to try to remove the cancer as well as part of the normal tissue that surrounds it. Surgery may be coupled with additional treatments, such as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, in some situations.
Types of Esophageal Cancer in Turkey
There are two kinds of esophageal cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the squamous cells that coat the esophagus’s inner lining. Squamous cell carcinoma can develop anywhere along the esophagus.
Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is a malignancy that arises from gland cells. When the squamous cells that typically lining the esophagus are replaced by glandular cells, adenocarcinoma develops. This is usually seen near the stomach in the lower esophagus. It’s thought to be primarily linked to acid exposure in the lower esophagus.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer?
How can I know if I have esophageal cancer? During the early stages of esophageal cancer, like with many other malignancies, there may be no symptoms.
Symptoms of esophageal cancer at a later stage may include:
Food or drink swallowing difficulty or discomfort
Weight loss that is unexplained or unwanted
Pain behind the breastbone, usually in the chest
Coughing too much
Throat irritation or hoarseness
Heartburn and indigestion
Tests To Diagnose Esophageal Cancer
Physical exam and medical history: A physical examination of the body to check for general indicators of health, as well as signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else strange. A medical history of the patient’s health habits, as well as previous diseases and treatments, will be obtained.
An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest is called a chest x-ray. An x-ray is a sort of radiation beam that may pass through the body and onto film, producing images of inside organs.
PET SCAN to Find Out If Cancer Cells Have Spread
A method used to locate malignant tumor cells throughout the body. A vein is injected with a tiny quantity of radioactive glucose (sugar). The PET scanner spins around the body, creating an image of where glucose is being utilized. Because malignant tumor cells are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells, they appear brighter in the image. It is possible to have a PET scan and a CT scan for esophageal cancer done at the same time. This is known as a PET-CT scan.
Esophageal Cancer Stages Briefly Explained
A Roman numeral system is used to classify the stages of esophageal cancer (I through IV). The greater the number, the more advanced the cancer is.
The stages are as follows:
Stage 0: Abnormal cells seen solely in the cells that lining the esophagus, which may or may not represent cancer.
Stage I: Tumor cells are exclusively found in the cell layer that lines the esophagus.
Stage 2: The cancer has progressed to the muscular layer or the outside wall of the esophagus. At this point, the cancer may have progressed to one or two adjacent lymph nodes (part of the immune system).
Stage 3: The malignancy has progressed and has penetrated the inner muscle layer or connective tissue wall. The tumor cells may have migrated outside the esophagus, invading the surrounding organ and/or lymph nodes in the area.
Stage 4: is the most advanced stage of cancer. The tumor has progressed to other organs in the body and/or lymph nodes located outside of the esophagus.
Treatments Offered for Esophageal Cancer in Turkey
Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, Photodynamic Therapy and Cryotherapy.
Most Common Esophageal Cancer Treatment Options in Turkey
Surgery for Esophageal Cancer in Turkey
The most common treatment for esophageal cancer is surgery. An esophagectomy is a procedure that removes a portion of the esophagus.
Endoscopic resection can be used to remove small, early-stage cancer and high-grade dysplasia of the esophagus. An endoscope is inserted into the body by a tiny incision (cut) in the skin or a mouth opening. Tissue is removed using an endoscope-attached instrument.
Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer in Turkey
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that involves the use of high-energy x-rays or other forms of radiation to kill or stop cancer cells from growing.
The kind and stage of cancer being treated determine how radiation treatment is administered. Esophageal cancer is treated with both external and internal radiation treatment.
During radiation therapy, a plastic tube may be placed into the esophagus to maintain it open. Intraluminal intubation and dilation is the term for this procedure.
Chemotherapy for Esophageal Cancer in Turkey
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that involves giving medicines to cancer cells in order to stop their development, either by killing them or preventing them from growing. Chemotherapy medicines enter the circulation and can reach cancer cells all throughout the body whether taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle (systemic chemotherapy). Chemotherapy administered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, an organ, or a bodily cavity such as the abdomen targets cancer cells primarily in specific locations (regional chemotherapy). The kind and stage of cancer being treated determine how chemotherapy is given.
Chemoradiation
Chemoradiation therapy is a treatment that combines chemotherapy and radiation therapy to boost the effectiveness of both.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a cancer treatment that kills cancer cells by using a laser beam (a narrow beam of strong light).
Electrocoagulation
The usage of an electric current to destroy cancer cells is known as electrocoagulation.
What is the Procedure for Esophageal Cancer Surgery?
General anesthesia is used during esophageal cancer surgery. The operation can be performed using either the traditional open approach, in which your surgeon makes a single big incision in the chest or belly, or the minimally invasive technique, in which your surgeon makes many small incisions. During the procedure, your surgeon will attempt to remove the tumor as well as some surrounding healthy tissue, as well as some or all of the esophagus (esophagectomy). A little part of your stomach may also be removed in some situations (esophagogastrectomy).
In Turkey, what is the success rate of esophageal cancer surgery procedures?
Surgery for esophageal cancer in Turkey has a high success rate. Patients who have surgery have a higher chance of long-term survival than those who do not. Lung problems, voice changes, infection, hemorrhage, cough, leakage from the surgical connection of the stomach and the esophagus, acid or bile reflux, dysphagia, and anesthetic response are all possible side effects and hazards of esophageal cancer surgery.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Turkey?
In Turkey, esophageal cancer is treated with a multidisciplinary approach based on the patient’s diagnosis and prognosis. Every year, a large number of overseas patients from many nations, including the United States and European countries like France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others, go to Turkey for oncology treatment. One of the primary reasons is that treatment in Turkey is less expensive than in these nations.
The entire cost of esophageal cancer treatment in Turkey, on the other hand, will vary based on a number of factors, including:
Treatment method
The hospital’s location and accreditation
Room classification
Duration of hospitalization and stay in the country
Fee charged by the doctor and
Post-operative care
What is the Best Country to Get Esophageal Cancer Treatment?
If you are considering to get cancer treatment abroad, Turkey is the top in terms of high quality hospitals, doctors and affordable treatments.
To provide comprehensive care to patients, a team of skilled surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists collaborate with additional experts such as urologists. They are well-known for their extensive knowledge and track record in such operations.
Turkey’s best cancer facilities are equipped with cutting-edge surgery and radiation oncology technologies. They make certain that patients receive individualized care with cutting-edge and novel treatment choices.
Share your medical records with us and our staff will link you with the top hospitals and professionals in the industry. We assist and advise our patients at every step of the way to make their experience as pleasant and painless as possible. Contact us to get esophageal cancer treatment from the best country.
