Esophageal cancer treatment in India with cutting-edge technologies with highest success rates.
Smith, a 48-year-old is a businessman from Nairobi Kenya. He is a father of three kids and husband of a beautiful wife. He is running his Logistics business having a presence in 5 cities in Kenya.
Five years ago, Smith had started experiencing difficulty in swallowing food, indigestion, and heartburns. After ignoring a month, Smith visited a nearby doctor. The doctor examined Smith’s abdomen but found nothing abnormal. He prescribed a few medications. The medications helped him give some relief but after 15-20 days, the problems started bothering him again.
He decided to meet a gastroenterologist. The doctor suggested gastroscopy and blood tests to Smith.
Smith underwent the gastroscopy, the doctor detected a tumor in Smith’s esophagus and the doctor suspected it was a malignant tumor. The doctor recommended a CT scan to investigate further. The CT scan reflected that the tumor was present in local lymph nodes and had not spread from the esophagus into other organs.
Smith and his family was shocked to hear that. However, Smith’s best friend Danny and business partner motivated the family to fight cancer and suggested he not take any risk and go for esophageal cancer treatment in India. Danny already knew MedicoExperts as he did his mother’s knee replacement surgery in India. Danny gave the MedicoExperts contact details to Smith.
Smith got in touch with MedicoExperts and forwarded all his reports. The MedicoExperts team presented the case to the tumor board. The board recommended a tentative protocol with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy and suggested the final protocol can be arrived at after thorough evaluation, including PET Scan. The family also had a video call with the head of the board and understood the tentative protocol thoroughly.
Smith decided to come to India with his wife for the treatment.
After 15 Days, Smith and Linda came to India for treatment, and Smith got admitted to the hospital. The evaluation was performed to check the current condition of cancer. Reports came and the examination confirmed that cancer had not spread to adjacent tissue or organs and that it had entered only a few immediately adjacent lymph cells.
The doctor started chemotherapy and after 2 cycles, esophageal cancer surgery was performed. The cancer was removed along with 52 lymph nodes.
After the successful surgery, Smith is slowly getting back into the day-to-day routine slowly and a revaluation test was performed, the reports verified the successful removal of cancer.
Smith and Linda was very happy with the outcome and thanked the doctor and MedicoExperts.
Before starting the discussions on different treatments option, let’s first understand what esophageal cancer is?
The esophagus is a muscular tube that is responsible for moving food from the throat to the stomach and Esophageal Cancer occurs when a malignant tumor forms in the lining of the esophagus.
Cancer starts when cells in the inner lining of the esophagus grow out of control. A tumor can occur anywhere along the length of the esophagus, including the place where the esophagus and stomach meet.
What are the different types of Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer types are classified according to the type of cells that are involved. Your treatment options are influenced by the type of esophageal cancer you have.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
This cancer begins in the thin cells that make up the lining of the esophagus. This occurs most often in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus. This is the most common esophageal cancer worldwide.
Adenocarcinoma:
These cancers start in the glandular cells responsible for producing fluid such as mucus. It is most common in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.
Other rare types:
Small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma, and choriocarcinoma are all rare types of esophageal cancer.
There are different stages for different types of Esophageal cancer. Doctors use a tool called as TNM system to describe the stage of cancer:
Tumor (T) – It indicates how intensely the primary tumor has grown into the wall of the esophagus and the surrounding tissue.
Node(N) – It shows if the tumor has spread to lymph nodes, where and how many?
Metastasis (M) – It shows if cancer has spread to other parts of the body, where and how much?
These results are combined to determine the stage of esophageal cancer for everyone. There are 5 stages and doctors often describe the type of cancer by its grade. The grade describes how much cancer cells look like healthy cells when viewed under the microscope. If esophageal cancer looks like healthy tissue and contains different cell grouping, then it is called “differentiated”. If the esophageal cancer cells look different from healthy tissue, it is called “poorly differentiated”.
Stages of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The stages of squamous cell carcinoma may be divided based on whether the tumor is in the upper, middle, or lower part of the esophagus, as well as the grade of the cancer cells.
The cancer is found in the top lining of the esophagus. It has not spread to deep layers and has not spread to any lymph nodes or distant organs.
The cancer grade does not apply and can be located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stage IA – The cancer is in the top layers of the esophagus. Cancer has not spread to any lymph nodes or distant organs.
The cancer is in grade 1 or in an unknown grade and located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stage IB – Cancer can be in either condition:
- The cancer is in the top layers of the esophagus, but the cancer cells are less differentiated.
- The cancer is in the third layer of the esophagus but has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Cancer can be in any grade or an unknown grade and located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stage IIA – It can be any of these conditions:
- The cancer is in the third layer of the esophagus and has spread into the thick muscle layer of the esophagus.
- The cancer is in the outer layer of the middle or upper part of the esophagus.
- The cancer is in the outer layer of the lower part of the esophagus.
Cancer might be in grade 2 or 3 and located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stage IIB – It can be any of the below conditions:
- The cancer cells are in the outer layer of the upper or middle part of the esophagus. The cancer cells are less differentiated.
- The cancer cells are in the outer layer of any part of the esophagus.
- The cancer cells have spread into the lining of the esophagus and below layers.
Cancer can be in grades 2-3 or any grade and located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stage IIIA – It can be any of the below conditions:
- Cancer has spread into the lining of the esophagus and below layers. Cancer has spread to 3 to 6 lymph nodes near the tumor.
- The tumor has developed into the third layer of the esophagus and has spread to 1 or 2 lymph nodes.
- Cancer has scattered outside the esophagus to nearby tissues and but has not spread to lymph nodes or any other parts of the body.
Cancer can be in any grade and located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stage IIIB – It can be any of these conditions:
- Cancer has grown into the third layer of the esophagus and has spread to 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
- Cancer has developed into the outer layer of the esophagus and has spread to either 1 to 2 or 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
- Cancer has spread to structures surrounding the esophagus and has spread to either no nodes or 1 to 2 lymph nodes.
Cancer can be of any grade and located anywhere in the esophagus. It has not scattered to distant organs.
Stage IVA – It can be either of these conditions:
- Cancer has spread to nearby structures and may have spread to 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
- Cancer has stretched to 7 or more lymph nodes.
It can be located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stage IVB – Cancer has scattered to other parts of the body such as the liver and lungs.
Cancer can be of any grade and located anywhere in the esophagus.
Stages of Adenocarcinoma
Doctors use both T, N, M classifications and the grade for these stages of cancers:
The cancer is found in the top lining of the esophagus. It has not started to grow in the deep layers. The cancer grade does not apply.
Stage IA – The tumor has spread into the lining of the esophagus and underneath layers.
It has not scattered to distant organs or lymph nodes.
Stage IB – Cancer can meet either of the below conditions:
- Cancer has spread below the lining of the esophagus. The cancer cells are moderately differentiated.
- The tumor has grown into the layers of the esophagus called the submucosa.
Cancer can be of grade 1 or 2 or an unknown grade.
Stage IC – Cancer can meet either of the below conditions:
- The tumor has grown below the lining of the esophagus or the submucosa. The cancer cells are poorly differentiated here.
- Cancer has expanded into the third layer of the esophagus and is well or moderately differentiated.
Cancer can be grade 1, 2 or 3.
Stage IIA – cancer cells are in the third layer of the esophagus. They can be grade 3 or unknown grade.
Stage IIB – It can be either of these conditions:
- The tumor has spread to the outer layer of the esophagus.
- Cancer is in the inner layer or esophagus and has spread to 1 or 2 lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA – It can be either of these conditions:
- Cancer is in the inner layers of the esophagus and has stretched to 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
- Cancer is in the third layer of the esophagus and has stretched to 1 or 2 lymph nodes.
Stage IIIB – It can be any of these conditions:
- Cancer is in the third layer of the esophagus and has stretched to 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
- Cancer is in the surface layer of the esophagus and has spread to either 1 to 2 or 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
- Cancer has scattered to structures near the esophagus and either no lymph nodes or 1 or 2 lymph nodes.
Stage IVA -It can be either of the below conditions:
- Cancer has scattered to structures near the esophagus and either no lymph nodes or 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
- Cancer has stretched to 7 or more lymph nodes.
Stage IVB – Tumor has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver and lungs. Cancer can be any grade.
During the early stages of Esophageal Cancer, you will not experience any symptoms but as cancer progresses, you may experience:
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Food coming back through the esophagus
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Chronic cough
Doctors consider that irritation in the esophageal cells develop cancer and some habits that can cause irritation include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Not having enough fruits and vegetables
- Having achalasia, where the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus does not relax properly
This is the first test done when people have trouble swallowing. Series of X-rays are taken after you swallow barium, a thick liquid that shows up on X-rays. It helps doctors to identify a certain problem in your esophagus.
In this test, the doctor passes an endoscope, a thin light tube, puts it in your mouth, and passes it down into your esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy ultrasound helps to provide more information about the extent of the tumor in nearby tissues.
In this test, the doctor takes out a small piece of tissue from the esophagus. The cells are examined under a microscope for any cancer cells. It is more often done during endoscopy.
It is an X-ray in which pictures show where the cancer cells are in the esophagus and if it has spread.
It uses radio waves and magnets instead of X-rays to take more detailed pictures. It may be used to check if nearby lymph nodes are swollen, which might mean that it is cancer.
It uses sugar that can be seen inside your body with the help of a special camera. If there occurs to be cancer, then the sugar will show up as hot spots where the cancer is found. It can help to find if cancer has spread.
There are many ways to treat Esophageal Cancer that include:
Esophageal Cancer surgery is used to remove all the cancer cells when the cancer is small and hasn’t spread. Your doctor can remove the cancer cells using an invasive approach, using an endoscope and several small incisions.
The side effects of surgery include pain, bleeding, lung complications, problem swallowing, nausea, heartburn, and infection.
It uses radiation beams to kill cancer cells. It can be administered externally (with the help of a machine) or internally (with the help of a device placed near the tumor called brachytherapy).
It can also be used to help with symptoms like pain, bleeding, trouble swallowing that happen if cancer has grown very large and has spread to other parts of the body. It is often combined with chemotherapy.
Side effects are severe with combined treatment that include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, painful sores in the mouth and throat.
Chemotherapy for Esophageal Cancer involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery. The drugs can be given in vein or taken as pills.
It is given in cycles and each cycle is followed by a break that gives the body time to recover. Treatment often lasts for many months. It is often given with radiation therapy.
Side effects can include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain but the problem will go away after the treatment ends.
It is a treatment that boosts your immune system to attack the cancer cells. These drugs may be given into the vein.
Side effects may include fatigue, rashes, and stomach sickness and these will go away after the treatment ends.
Please visit, the Immunotherapy page to know more.
This therapy targets specific proteins on cancer cells to treat cancer. These affect mainly the cancer cells and not the normal cells in the body.
Treatment is dependent upon the stage of cancer.
In this stage, the abnormal cells look similar to cancer cells, but they are only found in the esophagus'(the epithelium) inner layer of cells.
Endoscopic treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) are common treatment options.
After endoscopic treatment, long-term follow-up with frequent upper endoscopy is critical to look for pre-cancer (or cancer) cells in the esophagus.
An esophagectomy is another option for removing the abnormal part of the esophagus. This is a major procedure, but one advantage of this method is that it does not require lifelong endoscopy monitoring.
In this stage, cancer has spread to the deeper layers of the esophagus wall (past the innermost layer of cells) but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.
Most T1 cancer patients who are healthy enough will have surgery (esophagectomy) to remove the cancerous portion of their esophagus.
If there are signs that cancer has not been completely removed, chemoradiation (a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy) may be recommended after surgery.
In stage II, cancers have grown into the main muscle layer of the esophagus or the connective tissue on the outside of the esophagus. Some cancers have spread to one or two nearby lymph nodes at this stage.
In Stage III, some cancers have grown through the esophageal wall to the outer layer, as well as cancers that have grown into nearby organs or tissues. Most cancers that have spread to nearby lymph nodes are included.
Chemoradiation (chemotherapy plus radiation therapy), followed by surgery, is the most common treatment for these cancers in people who are healthy enough. If lab tests reveal that some cancer remains after surgery, treatment with an immunotherapy drug-like nivolumab (Opdivo) may be an option.
Chemoradiation is used to treat people who cannot have surgery due to other serious health issues or because their cancer is too large to be removed. Chemoradiation, immunotherapy, or a combination of the two may be used if chemoradiation is not an option.
Esophageal cancer in stage IV has spread to distant lymph nodes or other organs.
In general, these cancers are extremely difficult to completely eradicate, so attempting to cure cancer through surgery is usually not a feasible option.
The goal of treatment is to keep cancer under control for as long as possible while also lessening any symptoms it may be causing.
Chemotherapy is used to help patients feel better and live longer (possibly in combination with targeted drug therapy or immunotherapy). Pain or difficulty swallowing may be treated with radiation therapy or other treatments.
India, US, UK, and Singapore provide effective treatment for esophageal cancer. However, the treatment cost varies from country to country.
The cost of treatment of esophageal cancer is nearly half.
India is known for providing high-quality care at a low cost to esophageal cancer patients from other countries.
Doctors in India’s healthcare system are well-trained. India has specialized and well-trained operative and post-operative care teams. These groups are capable of resolving complex cases for a reasonable price.
So, if you’re looking for the best combination of outcome and affordability, India might be the better choice.
How to choose the best hospital for Esophageal cancer treatment in India?
Choose a hospital that has cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary oncology team that includes medical, surgical, and radio oncologists, as well as well-trained paramedical staff.
The success and survival rates of the oncology team and the hospital should also be considered.
You might want to look at the MedicoExperts Panel, which was created using the criteria listed above.
For a successful outcome and higher success and survival rates, you should rely on a team of doctors rather than just one. The Tumour Board is another name for this multidisciplinary approach.
The tumor board method is a novel way to improve esophageal cancer patient survival rates. To achieve the best possible treatment outcome, highly skilled medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists collaborate closely on the case.
MedicoExperts helps patients all over the world get the best possible treatment and survival rates by using this tumor board approach to treating them.
The Cost of esophageal cancer treatment in India can range anywhere between $3000-$5000 (223243 – 372071 INR) depending upon the quality of treatment and hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:
Is Esophageal Cancer curable?
Esophageal cancer is aggressive cancer and in most cases is a treatable disease though cure rates are low. It depends on several factors like the stage of cancer and the overall health of the patient. People with early-stage disease have a better chance of survival.
Is Esophageal cancer hereditary?
It happens in a person’s lifetime and is not passed on to their children. Hence it is not inherited but acquired during a person’s life.
Do you feel ill with esophageal cancer?
It might be hard to spot at an early stage but once cancer progresses, it affects your digestion such as having a problem swallowing.
At what age does esophageal cancer occur?
It is most often diagnosed at the age of 50 and above and is more common in men than women.
How fast does esophageal cancer progress?
It grows slowly for many years and once the symptoms develop can progress rapidly.
Can acid reflux cause esophageal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is slightly more common in people with chronic acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, and chronic heartburn.
What foods should esophageal cancer patients avoid?
Patients should avoid the food which is difficult to eat
- Raw fruit and vegetables.
- Tough meat.
- Soft, doughy bread.
How do you get esophageal cancer?
The uncontrolled multiplication of cells lining the food pipe can result in esophageal cancer. This is frequently linked to irritation caused by tobacco, alcohol, and stomach contents refluxing back into the esophagus.
What does Barrett's esophagus have to do with esophageal cancer?
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the cells in the esophageal lining begin to change. Barrett’s esophagus is more common in people who have acid reflux disease (GERD), but it can also happen to people who don’t have GERD. This condition has been linked to an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Although only a small percentage of people with Barrett’s esophagus develop esophageal cancer, it’s critical that they keep an eye on the condition in case they are.
What are some of the potential side effects of esophageal cancer treatment?
Depending on the type of treatment given, side effects may vary from patient to patient. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, pain while swallowing, digestive problems, headaches, bleeding, and other side effects are all possible.
Depending on the severity of their condition and treatment plan, some people may need to eat smaller, more frequent meals after treatment. Retraining their swallowing skills may also require occupational or speech therapy.
Best hospital for esophageal cancer treatment in India
The top hospitals in India are equipped with cutting-edge technology and the latest innovation to provide the best cancer care. Here is a list of the best hospital for esophageal cancer treatment in India which provide the best cancer treatment and surgery:
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Anthony, 58 yrs. old after undergoing radiotherapy and hormone therapy, shares his experience of getting prostate cancer treatment in India.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Anthony Igwe, and I am 58 years old and I am from Ghana. I was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer in Jan 2010. I had all the symptoms, uncontrollable frequent urination, blood in the urine, and a lot of pain and discomfort. My local doctors said I should get a surgery done to remove it, but I was not sure. I wanted to seek second opinion, someone who could help me better.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I stayed positive and began looking for second opinion from my local doctors, but I was still worried about getting good treatment in my own country. A relative suggested I visit the MedicoExperts Connect Centre in Ghana. When I went there with my reports, they reconfirmed what the reports suggested, but said that they could get me in touch with a doctor in India who can help me evaluate my situation better. After speaking to the Surgeon from India, I was informed that it was not necessary I undergo surgery as it could do more damage than good, getting radiotherapy along with hormone therapy was a more logical option. They recommended sessions of radiotherapy. They asked me if I was willing to travel to India for my treatment. I had heard a lot of good things about the facilities in India and their doctors, and I felt I should get my treatment done in India. The team was kind enough to help me make a choice according to my preference.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
MedicoExperts team was really empathetic and caring throughout my treatment in India. They would check up on me and help me if I needed anything in particular. The team of doctors and attendants that I had too were very understanding and proactive. They genuinely cared about my well-being which also helped me stay positive and get better. Thank you team MedicoExperts.
Mr Daniel Banda never knew much about prostate cancer before his diagnosis. Now, after radical prostatectomy in India, he is surviving the odds and also spreading awareness.
Tell us about yourself
Hi, I am Daniel Banda, 49 years old from Nigeria. I decided to get a general check-up done, which included PSA test. When my results came, the PSA levels were surprisingly high and I was asked for further evaluation which included biopsy. After my results, I was told I had localized prostate cancer and could get a surgery done. I always believed that prostate cancer was the disease of an old man before my diagnosis.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I found out about MedicoExperts through a Facebook ad about prostate cancer. I dropped an inquiry and they got back to me pretty quickly. I discussed with them about my symptoms and conditions, and after sharing reports, they told me I could undergo radical prostatectomy. However, I had to travel to India for getting this treatment. I was a bit worried about travelling so far for surgery. MedicoExperts team got me to consult with the surgeon directly, which helped me build trust.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
After the initial doubting phase, I was able to make my decision to travel to India. I must say the MedicoExperts team is very thorough. They urged me to ask and clear all my doubts with the uro-onclogist in India before my travel plans. I discussed all the possibilities of side-effects and how long will I take to get back to my normal routine. This helped me prepare for the surgery better and also mentally be prepared for the side-effects. My overall experience was good and I would definitely recommend MedicoExperts for any treatment.
A non-invasive advanced radical trachelectomy in India for a 25-year-old patient with positive outcome
Tell us about yourself
My name is Anna and I am 25 years of age. I was asked to get a smear test, after I was experiencing severe back pains and bleeding in between my periods. I also had very heavy menstrual bleeding. Once my results of smear test came, my gynaecologist suggested more tests. I was asked to get a colposcopy and the results were that I had stage 1b cervical cancer. I was devasted but my mother helped me through and also helped me make the right choice.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
My mother actually found an ad on Facebook about cervical cancer care by MedicoExperts. She gave them a call to find out more and what are the treatment options. With the MedicoExperts team, we discussed about my reports and since I was young, we looked for non-invasive treatment options. I was recommended to undergo advanced radical trachelectomy as I wanted the least invasive method. They also suggested I do chemotherapy first which ensure that my cancer did not come back. But to get my treatment underway, I had to travel to India. After a lot of discussion and deliberation, we decided to go ahead. Team MedicoExperts was kind enough and very patient in all our doubting times.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
They are absolutely incredible in their approach. They made me feel at ease, and helped me stay positive. I am glad my mother found them; they have been very helpful in every way. My oncologist was an expert and my surgery went well. Before the surgery, he made sure I knew the possible side-effects and ensured I was mentally strong to handle the treatment. MedicoExperts and the entire team was very good, positive and caring.
Author Bio:
Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee – Ph.D. (Oncology)
Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee is a molecular oncologist with experience of working with genomic profiles. He has several years of experience in scientific writing. He takes strong interest in making people aware of different treatment approches in cancer, acute and chronic diseases. He also has interest in innovative approches for treating different mental and physical illnesses.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
