Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach and moves food into your stomach to be digested. While it can develop anywhere in the esophagus, esophageal cancer most commonly occurs in the cells lining the inside of the esophagus, and it is more common in men when compared to women.

Esophageal cancer medical illustration

Globally, esophageal cancer is the sixth most deadly form of cancer. There are regional variations in the prevalence of this cancer, with some regions having higher rates due to smoking, alcohol abuse, nutritional habits, and obesity.

Applicable Procedures

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

What causes esophageal cancer?

There is no clear answer for what causes esophageal cancer, but people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which leads to precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus, are at risk. Other factors like smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet can also increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

What is the treatment for esophageal cancer?

Treatment may involve surgery to remove tumors, or surgery to remove a portion of the esophagus, or a portion of both the esophagus and the stomach. You may require additional treatments, such as receiving food through a feeding tube while the esophagus heals, or having a stent placed to open a narrowed esophagus. Other treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. A doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment, depending on your health, preferences, and the type and stage of your cancer.

What are the complications of esophageal cancer?

You may experience complications, such as pain and bleeding. Cancer can also cause blockages in the esophagus, making it hard to swallow food and liquid.

Common Symptoms

“In the early stages, I had no symptoms, but I began to experience a worsening of my usual bouts of heartburn.”
“I felt burning and pressure in my chest, and I was losing weight without being on a diet.”
“I developed a bad cough, and I had difficulty swallowing during meals.”

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356084

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6265 reviews

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Erika S.

I'm a newer patient at this facility. I found them extremely efficient, friendly, and accommodating. I was taken back within 5 minutes of my appointment time and seen by the doctor within another 10 minutes. I would highly recommend.

Chrissy C.

Dr J. Weber is an amazing Doctor. I know I'm in good hands with him. He has been my physician for many years and has always given me the best care. His staff plays a big part in my care to they all are wonderful. My procedure went well I was very confident and comfortable with the care I received. Thank you.

Lani F.

Very professional and organized

Amanda K.

Dr Nandi is very thoughtful, thorough and compassionate doctor. I feel like he truly cares about my over all “well-being” and will go the “extra mile” to get my condition under control and properly diagnosed for treatment! 🙏🏻

Marie S.

Kind and caring staff, Dr. Nandi is the best, just outstanding. Thank you.

KQA414 D.

Everyone was so kind and helpful my doctor and staff went way out of the way to help me I would recommend them to everyone Thanks for their service

Pamela P.

Everyone I came in contact with was courteous, helpful, and knowledgable, and I felt comfortable.

Kent P.

Excellent staff. Nice facility.

Alexandra K.

Love this office! Everyone very friendly and knowledgeable! Kept me up to date on what was going on and answered all questions I asked!!!

Gary M.

Very competent staff and well organized scheduling system, with updates and reminders from start to finish.

Mary L.

The staff is very courteous, fast and knowledgeable.

Sridhar V.

Excellent facility. Great doctors. Appreciate the smooth appointments . Doctor took time to explain everything.

Kimberly P.

Everyone was fabulous very informative and the entire team from anesthesiologist to doctor and recovery nurses first class

Meredith J.

Every nurse and CRNA that I had was kind . Everyone explained everything thoroughly and asked if I had questions . I felt I was in confident hands !

Patricia C.

I had a telea-medical appointment on Friday Jan 12th. It was prompt, nurse practitioner was helpful and issue resolved. Very convenient.

Kathleen Z.

Compared to my previous experiences with other offices, I appreciated being in a private room before and after the procedure. Also, I was impressed by the detailed pre-procedure information and all instructions. The staff was cordial and professional.

Nancy R.

I would highly recommend this facility. My procedure went very smoothly and all the staff were excellent and put my mind at ease. It was my first time seeing Dr. Webber and I would also recommend him along with this facility.

Tomicko

Your receptionist was so amazing and patient with me her customer service was over and beyond my technician or nurse tech that was in my room was very helpful very friendly and very compassionate. I can say more.

Marilyn D.

I had a Colonoscopy and EDG yesterday at the Center for Health in Macomb Township. It was a great experience starting with check in through release. All around, their staff was kind, friendly, just great. Thank you Dr. Nandi and crew!

Lolita M.

It was a calm and peaceful experience.

Kent K.

Very timely and very nice people who work there thanks

Pat P.

Always the best care. I wouldnt go to any other GI in the area.

Pat M.

Everything runs smoothly people real friendly everything went real great thank you everyone

Bob P.

The staff at CDH were considerate, prompt and professional. No one looks forward to a colonoscopy but, the people who took care of me made it the best experience it could have been. Thank you!

Ryan M.

While perhaps no test is really "enjoyable," this was as pleasant an experience as one could hope for. Every single person I engaged with at every step of the process could not have been more helpful, professional, or empathetic. Wonderful people to have looking after your health. All questions answered completely by people who aren't just "rushing you through" the process to collect more billings. Recommended..

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6270 reviews

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Olaf K.

I was able to schedule my CT scan on a short notice for the same week. Unfortunately it was a cash only procedure - which is on the insurance - but the price was considerable less than at Corewell. The facility was uncrowded and the result was available the same day.

Susan M.

Everyone is very nice. They answer all questions so you understand the answers. I have been going to Dr. Bologna for many years and he is one of the best. Always very pleasant and takes his time with you.

Susan C.

I felt as if I was with family members during the whole procedure. Everyone is very accommodating and professional. I recommend Dr. Bologna to everyone!

Tina Di C.

I highly recommend Dr. Donat. The anesthesiologist was excellent, and all the staff were pleasant and helpful!"

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

Christina N. Brown, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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