Esophageal Cancer and Robotic Lung Surgery
For patients with esophageal cancer, there is hope, because esophageal cancer is one of several cancers that can be treated with robotic lung surgery. Esophageal cancer occurs in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. It occurs more often in men than women. It is the sixth most common cancer that causes deaths in the world. Esophageal cancer is associated usually with tobacco and alcohol use, obesity and nutritional habits.
Some symptoms of this type of cancer include dysphagia, unexpected weight loss, chest pain, chest pressure, chest burning, worsening indigestion, bad heartburn, coughing, and hoarseness.
The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown. Types of esophageal cancer: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma, and choriocarcinoma.
Researchers believe that chronic irritation of the esophagus may contribute to changes that lead to esophageal cancer. Such risk factors include: smoking, obesity, drinking alcohol, bile reflux, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, consumption of alcohol, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, or undergoing radiation to the chest or upper abdomen.
With esophageal cancer, people can experience pain, bleeding in the esophagus, and obstruction of the esophagus.
To diagnose this type of cancer, a doctor performs an endoscopy or biopsy. If it is determined the patient has cancer, the doctor will run more tests to determine the extent of the cancer. These tests include endoscopic ultrasound, computerized tomography and positron emission tomography.
The type of treatment a patient receives for esophageal cancer depends on the types of cells in the cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s health status.
If the cancer is small and at an early stage, it can be removed with robotic lung surgery.
If you currently have an early stage of esophageal cancer, you may be a good candidate for robotic lung surgery. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a robotic lung specialist and surgeon. He can determine if you’re a candidate for the surgery.
To learn more about robotic lung surgery, click Dr. Mikhail’s Tampa Robotic Lung Surgery page or call his office at 727-312-4844 to book an appointment or for more information. Dr. Mikhail is based in New Port Richey, Florida. He treats patients in Tampa and Clearwater.
