Esophageal Cancer

Treatment

Endoscopic therapies

At Mayo Clinic, precancerous esophageal lesions and early esophageal cancer may be treated with endoscopic therapies rather than surgery. Mayo Clinic experts are highly experienced in using these techniques that cause minimal esophageal trauma, have a low risk of complications and preserve the esophagus.

Therapies may include endoscopic mucosal resection, radiofrequency ablation or photodynamic therapy.

Surgery

For more advanced cancer, surgery to remove a portion of the esophagus (esophagectomy) is usually necessary. When possible, Mayo Clinic surgeons perform esophageal surgery using laparoscopic techniques, such as minimally invasive esophagectomy.

In advanced cancers, more-traditional open surgical techniques may be necessary. Mayo Clinic has surgical teams with expertise in all aspects of complex esophageal cancer surgery and esophageal reconstruction.

Read more about treatment for esophageal cancer and supportive care.