Posted at: 11/24/2009 7:10 PM
Updated at: 11/24/2009 7:11 PM
By: Axel Gumbel

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Medical Edge: Esophageal Cancer

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Treatment for esophageal cancer, even in the early stage, has traditionally involved the removal of the entire esophagus.
    
But now, doctors at Mayo Clinic are using minimally invasive endoscopies to treat early cancers.
 
Patients have the procedure and go home the same day.
 
Lee Porter knows his favorite chocolate candies can send him running for the antacids if he eats them at the wrong time.
 
"Chocolate is really bad on your heartburn if you eat it before you go to bed," Porter says.
 
Years and years of chronic acid reflux not only caused pain, but it may have also caused esophageal cancer.
 
Until recently that meant major surgery - removal of the entire esophagus and the creation of a new one by attaching the stomach to the throat.
 
"What's really changed dramatically in the last few years is the development of ways to treat these early cancers through endoscopic procedures without surgery, without making incisions, through a flexible fiber optic endoscope,” says Mayo Clinic Dr. Michael Wallace.
 
During the procedure Wallace lowers an endoscope into the esophagus to the site of the cancer.
 
"At the lower end of the esophagus we see this irregular tissue. This is actually the very early form of esophageal cancer," Wallace says.
 
The scope is equipped with technology that can remove the cancer and leave healthy tissue behind.
    
To Lee Porter, this option definitely beats the alternative.
 
"Oh my goodness gracious, there is no comparison to having your whole esophagus removed" says Porter
 
Just a few days after Porter's procedure, he was back to normal -- able to eat pretty much anything. Including chocolate candy.
 
"I probably shouldn't eat as much as I do, but it's good," Porter says.
 
He has follow-up endoscopies every few months to be sure he remains cancer free.
    
Porter also continues to take medication for acid reflux.
 
This procedure is only for early stage cancers.
 
Patients who have more advanced disease will likely have to undergo surgery and perhaps chemotherapy and radiation.
 

Click on the link below for more information.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/esophageal-cancer/