Advanced Radiation Therapy for Esophageal and Gastric Cancers

What are esophageal and gastric cancers?

Esophageal cancer arises from the muscular food pipe that carries foods and liquids from the throat to the stomach. It begins in the inner layer of the esophageal wall and grows outward through the other layers. Esophageal cancer is a serious disease, and unfortunately, it’s usually not diagnosed until later stages, when tumors have begun to block food from traveling to the stomach. Men are three times more likely than women to contract the disease.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer:

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer in the United States. It most often starts in the lower part of the esophagus and may occur at or near the junction of the esophagus and the stomach, the gastroesophageal (GE) junction. In most cases, these cancers are caused by acid reflux and are linked to obesity.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer outside the U.S. It starts in the squamous cells that line the esophagus, usually in the upper and middle part of the esophagus. Normally they are caused by heavy alcohol consumption and smoking, but there are other documented risk factors as well.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

• Chronic acid reflux, or GERD
• Tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• A pre-cancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
• Having a close relative with esophageal cancer

Gastric cancers tend to develop slowly over many years and rarely cause symptoms, so they often go undetected according to The American Cancer Society. Cancers start in different sections of the stomach and cause different symptoms, with different outcomes. The cancer’s location can also affect treatment options. For example, cancers that start at or grow into the gastro-esophageal junction are usually staged and treated the same as cancers of the esophagus.

Gastric cancer mostly affects older people. The average age of people when they are diagnosed is 68. About 6 of every 10 people diagnosed with gastric cancer each year are 65 or older.  (Already partially referenced in the previous “Blue Box” – with gastric being so generic, no need to expand with pointed facts)

Types of gastric cancer

Adenocarcinomas comprise over 90% of cancers of the gastric. They develop in the lining of the gastric (the mucosa). There are 2 main types of gastric adenocarcinomas:

• The intestinal type tends to have a slightly better prognosis.
• The diffuse type tends to grow spread more quickly. It is less common than the intestinal type, and it tends to be harder to treat.

Other types of cancer that can start in the gastric include:

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
• Neuroendocrine tumors (including carcinoids)
• Lymphomas

“My patients inspire me with their courage and commitment to getting the treatment they need. Patient care is my passion and my calling.”
Somu Suppiah, MD
MRO | Methodist