Esophageal Cancer Treatment

Asian Cancer Institute & ACI Super Speciality Hospitals - built on dedication, operational efficiency and values, so that the best care arrives the first time.

40+ years

Senior leadership experience

Since 2002

Dedicated cancer care

Multidisciplinary

Treatment planning

NABH

Accredited hospital

Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Mumbai

Esophageal cancer (also spelled oesophageal cancer) begins when abnormal cells in the food pipe grow uncontrollably. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Treatment depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer. It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination.

At Asian Cancer Institute – ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, our oncology and surgical teams provide esophageal cancer treatment in Mumbai. Each treatment plan is based on your diagnosis, cancer stage, overall health and individual needs.

Book a consultation

What Is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer can develop anywhere along the food pipe. There are two main types: Squamous cell carcinoma: starts in the flat cells lining the esophagus, usually in the upper or middle part. Adenocarcinoma: starts in gland cells, usually in the lower part near the stomach. Knowing the type matters because it can influence the treatment plan. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, and difficulty swallowing often appears only after the tumour has grown.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Common symptoms include:

Note: These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as acid reflux or ulcers. If they continue for more than a few weeks, please consult a doctor.

01 Difficulty or pain when swallowing

02 Food feeling stuck in the throat or chest

03 Unexplained weight loss

04 Chest pain, pressure or burning

05 Persistent heartburn or indigestion

06 Hoarse voice or a cough that does not go away

07 Vomiting or bringing food back up

08 Tiredness

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not always known. Factors that may increase the risk include:

Smoking and tobacco use, including chewing tobacco

Regular heavy alcohol use

Long-term acid reflux (GERD) or Barrett’s esophagus, a change in the lining caused by reflux

Obesity

Very hot drinks taken regularly

A diet low in fruits and vegetables

Older age and being male

Note: Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer. Many people with esophageal cancer have none of these.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if you have trouble swallowing, ongoing heartburn, chest discomfort or weight loss that does not settle within a few weeks. Seek medical care promptly if you have:

Difficulty swallowing food or liquids

Vomiting blood or black stools

Rapid, unexplained weight loss

Severe or persistent chest pain

If you have long-standing acid reflux, ask your doctor whether you need an endoscopy check.

How Is Esophageal Cancer Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis helps your doctor choose the right treatment. Based on your symptoms and examination, your doctor may recommend:

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

A thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the esophagus

Biopsy and histopathology

A small tissue sample examined under a microscope to confirm cancer and identify its type

Barium swallow

X-rays taken after drinking a contrast liquid to show narrowing of the food pipe

CT scan and PET-CT

To check the size of the tumour and whether it has spread

Endoscopic ultrasound

To see how deeply the tumour has grown into the wall of the esophagus

Blood tests and other staging tests

To assess your general health and the extent of the disease

Note: Our Gastroenterology Department and Endoscopy services support the diagnostic process, while oncology specialists assess the results and plan treatment.

Esophageal Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer and your overall health. Your care team will explain the options and the reasons for their recommendation. Often, more than one treatment is combined.

01 / SURGERY

Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Surgery may be recommended when the tumour can be removed. In a procedure called esophagectomy, the surgeon removes the affected part of the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes. The remaining food pipe is then reconnected, often using part of the stomach. Surgery of this kind is complex, so it is planned carefully with the whole team. Asian Cancer Institute offers Surgical Oncology services, with operating theatres and a robotic surgery suite to support suitable procedures.

01 / SURGERY

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be given before surgery, after surgery, along with radiotherapy, or as the main treatment for advanced cancer. Our Medical Oncology team plans treatment based on your diagnosis, pathology results and overall health. Chemotherapy and daycare services are available for eligible patients.

01 / SURGERY

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. In esophageal cancer, it is often combined with chemotherapy, either before surgery or as the main treatment. It can also help relieve swallowing difficulty in advanced cases.

01 / SURGERY

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

Some esophageal cancers have specific features that help doctors choose suitable medicines. Targeted therapy acts on these features, and immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells. They are considered only for selected patients, based on test results.

01 / SURGERY

Supportive Procedures

If the tumour narrows the food pipe, your doctor may suggest a procedure to make swallowing easier, such as placing a stent (a small tube that keeps the passage open) or a feeding tube. Your team will advise what is suitable.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

All cancer treatments can cause side effects, and these vary from person to person.

After surgery

Pain, bleeding, infection, leakage at the join where the food pipe is reconnected, and breathing problems. Eating patterns often change for some time.

During chemotherapy

Nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, hair loss, lower blood counts and a higher risk of infection.

With radiotherapy

Skin irritation, tiredness, and pain or difficulty when swallowing during treatment.

With targeted therapy or immunotherapy

Skin changes, diarrhoea, tiredness, or inflammation in some organs, depending on the medicine.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery depends on the type of treatment and your general health. Nutrition is especially important in esophageal cancer. After surgery, you may need to start with liquids or soft foods and gradually move to normal food, usually with smaller, more frequent meals. A dietitian can guide you through this. Sitting upright after meals may also help reduce reflux. Regular follow-up visits and scans help the team monitor your recovery and check for any return of the disease.

Our Experts

Esophageal cancer care may involve specialists from several areas of oncology and surgery. At ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, patients have access to experienced specialists across these disciplines.

Dr. Sanjay Sharma

MBBS, MS, FICS, FAIS

Director HOD Breast Surgery, Thoracic Cancer Consultant Surgical Oncology

Padmashri

Dr. Ramakant Deshpande

MBBS, MS, FICA, FAIS, DHA

CHAIRMAN HOD Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Oncology

Dr. Gunjan Desai

MBBS, MS – General Surgery, DNB – Gastroenterology, MRCS (UK),

GastroIntestinal Surgeon Consultant Gastroenterology

Why Choose Asian Cancer Institute?

ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital is a NABH-accredited tertiary healthcare centre with more than 50 beds and dedicated ICU facilities. It has three operating theatres, a robotic surgery suite, an endoscopy suite and daycare services.

Medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, endoscopy, radiology and other supportive specialties work together, so you can receive coordinated cancer care under one roof. Our approach focuses on personalised treatment, clear communication and compassionate care through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Questions, answered

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Every case is different. These answers can help you prepare for a more detailed conversation with your care team.

1. What are the early signs of esophageal cancer?

Early esophageal cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they usually include difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, ongoing heartburn and weight loss. These can also be caused by other conditions, so a doctor’s evaluation is needed.

2. Is esophageal cancer the same as oesophageal cancer?

Yes. “Esophageal” is the American spelling and “oesophageal” is the British spelling. Both refer to cancer of the food pipe.

3. How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?

Doctors usually perform an upper GI endoscopy and take a biopsy to confirm cancer. Scans such as CT or PET-CT, and sometimes endoscopic ultrasound, show how far the cancer has spread.

4. Can esophageal cancer be cured?

It depends mainly on the stage at diagnosis. When found early and the tumour can be removed, treatment may aim for a cure. In advanced cases, treatment usually focuses on controlling the disease and relieving symptoms such as difficulty swallowing. Your oncologist can explain what to expect in your situation.

5. Is surgery always needed for esophageal cancer?

No. Surgery is considered when the tumour can be removed. Some patients have chemotherapy and radiotherapy first, and others are treated mainly with medicines or radiotherapy if surgery is not suitable.

6. Can I eat normally during and after treatment?

Swallowing can be difficult before and during treatment. Many people need softer foods, smaller meals or nutritional support for a time. A dietitian can help you plan meals and maintain your weight.

7. Does acid reflux cause esophageal cancer?

Most people with acid reflux never develop cancer. However, long-standing reflux can sometimes damage the lining of the esophagus, so persistent symptoms should be checked by a doctor.

Speak with ACI

Book an Appointment for Stomach Cancer Treatment in Mumbai

If you have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, are experiencing persistent difficulty swallowing or heartburn, or are seeking a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment plan, consulting an oncology specialist can help you understand your condition and available treatment options. Contact Asian Cancer Institute – ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital to schedule a consultation or seek a second opinion.