Best Esophagus Cancer Treatment Doctors in India

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Shefali Agrawal is one of the best surgical oncologists in India, with more than 32 years of experience in the field.
  • Dr. Agrawal is practicing as a Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
  • The doctor took several certified training in surgical oncology in the USA.
  • Dr. Agarwal specializes in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer. She also finds her interest in Medical Oncology, management of Cervical Cancer, Phyaryngeal Cancer, Brain Cancer, Bone Cancer, Colo-rectal Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Bladder Cancer, and Fallopian Tube Cancer.
  • Dr. Agarwal has published several articles and papers in esteemed national and international journals.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Dipanjan Panda is one of the well-known medical oncologists in India, having 15 years of expertise in treating bone and soft tissue cancers and gastrointestinal cancers.
  • He is credited with starting the country’s first anticancer departments and PDCC program. Dr. Panda developed a medical oncology unit at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, in association with the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences. He is currently working at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi as a Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology.
  • Dr. Panda has written twenty peer-reviewed papers in national and international journals. He has presented numerous talks at global forums.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Amit Agarwal is a highly successful Medical Oncologist whose primary focus lies on pain management in cancer patients and provides treatment specifically for the management of early stages of Hodgkin’s disease and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non-Metastatic Ewing’s Sarcoma, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and emergency medications for cancer patients.
  • Dr. Agarwal has been part of other prestigious cancer hospitals where he has helped in the treatment of patients with various types and rare cases of cancer.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid is a reputed Medical Oncologist in India with expertise in the treatment of blood, lungs, skin, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers.
  • He is famously known for performing among the first 25 bone marrow transplants in a private hospital in India.
  • Dr. Ashok Vaid’s primary area of focus lies in Leukemia, Lymphoma, Solid tumors, and the treatment of organ-specific benign and malignant tumors.
  • He prefers to treat his patients using non-surgical and pain-free techniques that include hormone therapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Hari Goyal is the head of the Oncology unit comprising some of the finest oncologists in the country. The team effort gives an edge & advantage to the patients’ management.
  • His contribution to oncology is immense & has developed drugs for the management of chemotherapy side effects. This development has helped millions of cancer patients since 2004.
  • Dr. Hari Goyal was a part of a large number of clinical trials of cancer research including one of the FDA audited trials.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Vinod Raina is among the top and renowned Medical Oncologists in India with more than 38 years of extensive experience in the field.
  • His primary expertise lies in Chemotherapy and is the first to perform high-dose chemotherapy in India. He also performed the first peripheral blood stem cell transplant in India.
  • He has performed more than 250 bone marrow transplants and over 70 allotransplants for different types of cancers.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Rajeev Agarwal is among the very first surgical oncologists in the country with a specialization in breast surgery.
  • He performs all kinds of breast surgery – primary breast-conserving and reconstruction surgery for breast cancer. He also specializes in sentinel node biopsies.
  • He played a pioneering role in the introduction of organ-based oncology specialization in the Northern part of India.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Manish Singhal is a renowned Medical Oncologist from India practicing the best cancer treatment for over 20 years.
  • He is a gold medalist doctor who received specialized training in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from world-renowned BMT specialists.
  • Dr. Singhal is specifically interested in gastrointestinal cancer, GU, breast cancer, leukemia, and lung cancer. He excels in all modalities of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and the management of oncological emergencies, along with patient medical care.

Profile Highlights:

  • With over 20 years of experience in performing complex operations for cancer, and other diseases involving the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder, Dr. Anupam Saha has been the foremost gastro intestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-biliary surgeon of the Indian Armed Forces.
  • He did a 1-year fellowship in Liver Transplantation as well, at King’s College Hospital, London.
  • For his service, Dr. Anupam Saha has also been awarded the Vishist Sewa Medal by the Armed Forces.

Profile Highlights:

  • Dr. Rakesh Chopra is a well-known Medical Oncologist with national and international repute as one of the best in the treatment of all types of blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and bone marrow transplant.
  • His specialization lies in blood cancer and also provides treatment for solid cancers of the breasts, lungs, prostate, colon, and GI.

Best Esophageal Cancer Treatment Hospitals in India

CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad

Hospital Highlights:

  • CARE Hospitals were established in the year 2000, by CARE Group.
  • The multispecialty hospital has 435 beds, including 120 critical care beds, with an annual inflow of 180000 outpatients and 16,000 in-patients.
  • The hospital provides specialty medical services in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Nephrology, and Urology.
  • The hospital has the first dual source, 128 slice CT scanner (for high precision cardiac imaging) – the first of its kind in south India.
  • The hospital offers a wide range of accommodation facilities for the convenience of its varied patient base, ranging from general wards to super deluxe rooms.

Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai

Hospital Highlights:

  • Fortis Hiranandani hospital was established in 2007.
  • The hospital is an advanced tertiary care, multi-specialty hospital equipped with 149 beds.
  • The hospital is equipped with a super ICU to provide emergency medical care to critically ill patients.
  • The hospital is NABH accredited.
  • The critical care facility in the hospital is augmented with the state-of-the-art facilities that facilitate speedier diagnosis and efficient monitoring.
  • The hospital provides specialty medical services in cardiology, orthopedic science, pediatric science, neurology, diabetic care, urology, nephrology, ENT, obstetrics, gynecology, cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery, neuro and spine care.

Fortis Hospital, Anandpur, Kolkata

Hospital Highlights:

  • Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata is a world-class super-speciality equipped with the latest technologies in the medical world.
  • The hospital is NABH accredited.
  • This state-of-the-art facility specializes in cardiology and cardiac surgery, urology, nephrology, neurosciences, orthopaedics, digestive care, emergency care and critical care.
  • The hospital, governed by integrated Building Management System (IBMS), has a pneumatic chute system, for quick vertical and horizontal transportation between floors, facilitating speedy transfer of patient specimens, documents, reports, and medicines to the concerned departments.
  • The hospital also has a nephrology department with over 28 advanced dialysis units.

Fortis Hospital Banerghatta, Bengaluru

Hospital Highlights:

  • Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta, Bengaluru was established in 2006.
  • The hospital is a 276 bedded multi-specialty tertiary care facility.
  • The hospital specializes in cutting-edge medical technology and dedicated patient care services.
  • The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies like trans-radial angioplasty, trans-abdominal cardiac surgery, and computerized TKR navigation surgery.
  • The hospital provides specialty medical services in cardiology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, neurology, neuro-surgery, GI, and Minimal Access Surgery (MAS).

Gleneagles Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai

Hospital Highlights:

  • Gleneagles Global Hospital The 450-bed facility comprises of 17-stories, housing state-of-the-art infrastructure, and advanced medical care facilities.
  • The hospital offers end-to-end clinical, surgical, and diagnostic services. It is equipped with a team of eminent medical professionals aided by qualified nurses and medical staff
  • The Hospital offers advanced Endoscopic procedures, Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgeries, Surgical and Medical Gastroenterology, Bariatric Surgery, and Robotic surgery.
  • The hospital is a center of excellence for Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement surgery.

Jaypee Hospital, Noida

Hospital Highlights:

  • Jaypee Hospital is the flagship hospital of the Jaypee Group.
  • This hospital has commissioned 525 beds in the first phase and has been planned and designed as a 1200 bedded multi-specialty facility.
  • It holds the accreditation of the NABH and NABL.
  • The hospital has state-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with the latest technologies and modern equipment like 64 Slice PET CT, Dual Head 6 Slice SPECT CT, Gamma Camera, and Da Vinci Robotic Surgery for comprehensive robotic surgical solutions.
  • It has special Centers dedicated to the major specialties to provide hassle-free and high-quality clinical care.

Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi

Hospital Highlights:

  • Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, is a super-specialty hospital in Dwarka, New Delhi, which is a part of Manipal Hospitals Group.
  • The hospital aims to provide the best treatment on par with international standards at a fraction of the cost.
  • Equipped with 380 beds, the hospital is also one of the new age hospitals which are equipped fully with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge technology as well as the latest and advanced clinical practices. The hospital also has 13 modular Operation theatres with 118 beds which are solely meant for critical care.
  • The hospital comprises internationally acclaimed doctors and highly professional and experienced hospital and medical staff who are able to provide preventive, therapeutic, and diagnostic services all under one roof.

Pushpawati Singhania Hospital & Research Institute, New Delhi

Hospital Highlights:

  • Established in 1996, Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute is one of the top hospitals in the NCR region, as well as one of the top facilities in India for gastroenterology. The hospital is one of South Asia’s first institutes in medical and surgical treatment for diseases related to digestion.
  • The hospital is equipped with state-of-the art facilities coupled with the latest equipment as well as renowned consultants from various parts of India as well as other parts of the world.

W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurgaon

Hospital Highlights:

  • W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurugram, is one of the best hospitals in the NCR region. It is also a top hospital in India for IVF. Since its inception, the hospital has performed over 5500 successful IVFs. The hospital also specializes in gynecology.
  • With over 20 years of experience in providing quality healthcare, the hospital is known as one of the most trusted and valued health providers in India.
  • Equipped with world-class medical facilities and advanced technology, the hospital’s doctors and clinicians also have a track record of delivering excellent results. The hospital is also known for focusing on preventive well-being as much as on curative treatment.
  • The hospital has earned the trust of its patients, by providing the best available treatments at affordable costs.

Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram

Hospital Highlights:

  • Situated near DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Narayana Superspecialty Hospital is one of the top medical facilities in the Delhi NCR region, catering to the needs of the people. Known for its commitment to quality medical care and patient service, the hospital is a state-of-the-art facility with planned and well-equipped sections, which includes a spacious OPD area as well as comfortable patient rooms.
  • It is the closest super-specialty hospital from Indira Gandhi International Airport towards Gurugram, and also the nearest super specialty hospital from DLF Cyber City. It is also close to major residential areas in Gurugram.
  • It is part of the renowned Narayana Health Group. Established in 2000, by Dr. Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon, it has grown to be one fo India’s leading healthcare groups.

Esophagus Cancer

Esophagus Cancer is the cancer that occurs in the Esophagus – the long, hollow tube that runs from our throat to the stomach. The esophagus carries the food items from the throat to the stomach for digestion.

Generally, esophagus cancer (also called esophageal cancer) occurs in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere along the esophagus. It is seen that males are more prone to esophagus cancer than females.

Causes of Esophagus Cancer

The exact cause of esophagus cancer is still not known. The disease happens due to mutations in the DNA of cells which causes the cells to multiply abnormally. The excess cells form a tumor that grows and eventually spreads to other organs (metastates) if not treated. 

However, the following are considered to be the risk factors of Esophagus cancer:

  • GERD– Gastro-Intestinal Reflux Disease or GERD is a digestive disorder where the acids that help your stomach break down and process the food starts to push up the esophagus. Frequent acid reflux or chronic GERD can result in esophagus damage or cause cancer.
  • Poor Lifestyle. Lifestyle choices like poor dietary routine, tobacco and alcohol consumption, choosing fast food over nutritious food, etc can directly or indirectly (chronic indigestion) lead to this condition.
  • Barrett’s Esophagus. This is a medical condition that causes precancerous changes in the cell and can be one of the leading causes for esophagus cancer.

 

Other reasons may include:

  • Obesity
  • Achalasia (medical condition)
  • Drinking very hot beverages frequently/ persistently
  • Lack of nutrition
  • Previous radiation / chemotherapy
  • Other types of chronic digestive disorder

Prevention of Esophagus Cancer

Following are some of the recommended steps for reducing risk of esophagus cancer (as well as, other types of cancers):

  • Quit smoking
  • Drink alcohol in moderation, if you have to. 
  • Eat more fruits & green vegetables
  • Maintain a healthy wait
  • Maintain an active lifestyle.

Types of Esophagus Cancer

There are broadly two types of esophagus cancers:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma– This type of cancer develops in the thin, flat cells that form the inner lining of the esophagus. Even though the most common places are the top and the middle, Squamous cell carcinoma can appear anywhere in the esophagus lining.

Adenocarcinoma- The esophagus contains certain glandular cells that are primarily responsible for fluid production in the esophagus. Cancer developing in these cells is medically termed as adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer most often occurs in the lower end of the esophagus (close to the stomach)

Others- While the above two are the most common type, there are other types such as small cell carcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma and more that can be accounted for.

Symptoms of Esophagus Cancer

In Esophageal cancer, early stages usually come with zero or no symptoms. It is not until the cancer progresses to the advanced stage, do the symptoms start showing.

Common symptoms for Esophagus cancer would include:

  • Discomfort, difficulty, and pain in swallowing
  • Hoarseness in voice
  • Severe coughing (chronic)
  • Sudden loss of weight (unintentional)
  • Frequent indigestion or acid reflux
  • Dry throat (and even mouth)
  • Chest pain or burning sensation in chest
  • Severe tiredness
  • Nausea (may be accompanied by vomiting)

Esophagus Cancer Stages

  • Stage 1: Cancer is detected in the inner esophagus lining.
  • Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the outer layer of the esophagus
  • Stage 3: Cancer may have spread deeper into the inner layers or the surrounding tissues and cells around the esophagus
  • Stage 4: Cancer is progressive and is spreading to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis of Esophagus Cancer

If the symptoms mentioned above start showing up, your healthcare professional will recommend one or more than one clinical tests to determine or identify the cancerous cells. Diagnostic tests may include:

Biopsy

Normal biopsy where a tissue is extracted from the suspected region and tested for presence of cancer.

Endoscopy

An endoscopy where the doctor uses a tube and image-guidance to view the esophagus lining and determine signs of abnormality

Scans

A MRI, CT or PET scan to determine the exact position of the cancer and whether it is spreading or not.

X-Ray

A X-Ray test known as barium swallow where the barium chemical helps highlight the images inside your body in an X-Ray allowing doctors a detailed vision of the esophagus and the tissues or organs around it.

If you have Esophagus cancer, on diagnosis, the doctor will determine your condition based on the 4 stages of the cancer.

Treatment options for Esophageal Cancer

The treatment method will heavily depend on the cell type, but the most common treatment methods recommended by doctors would be: 

Surgery

Surgical intervention too will depend upon the severity of the condition. While some surgeries may aim to remove the cancerous tumor, other forms of surgery may remove parts of the esophagus or upper portion of the stomach, based on the origin and spread of the cancer. Most surgeries are open procedures, but surgical treatment for esophageal cancer may come with certain complications like internal bleeding or infection.

Chemotherapy

Chemo is one of the most popular treatment methods for cancer that aims to eliminate the cancerous cells within the body and can stop active cancer cells from spreading further. Chemo is often used alongside radiation therapy but even though it’s effective, this form of treatment may come with some side effects of its own, for instance, hair loss, nause, tiredness, and pain could be some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high beams of radiation (X-Rays or Protons) to eliminate the cancer cells from the body. This form of treatment can also relieve symptoms. However, radiation therapy too comes with its own side effects which may include pain, swallowing-difficulty, sunburn-like conditions in skin.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy (also called biologic therapy) is a new type of cancer treatment where the body’s immune system is boosted to help the body fight cancer by itself. Immunotherapy uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function.

What should my long-term expectations be?

Esophagus cancer, in the earlier stages can be cured completely. However, if you’ve already moved to the advanced stage, chances of complete cure can be difficult. However, it can always be treated to keep the symptoms in check. Chances of survival or cure are more if the cancer is not proactively progressive in nature.

FAQs

Are there any alternate treatment methods?

You can try other natural treatment methods like acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy etc at home to keep the symptoms in check but the primary form of treatment would either include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, both or surgery.

What is the survival rate for esophagus cancer?

If the cancer is diagnosed at the right time, the survival rate would be something around 47-50%. However, if the cancer is progressive in nature, the survival rate drops down to around 25%. 

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