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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Heather W.

This was my 1st colonoscopy & this team was so very professional & helpful! Roger took great care of me & my concerns!

Irene M.

I appreciate the convenience of virtual appointments.

Greg G.

The team was kind and efficient. As good of an experience as I could ask for.

Sharon M.

The girl helping me in the room was very pleasant. Very intuitive. Very alert and right on top of everything. I thank her very much. She made the experience very nice. + That's it. Thank you goodbye . Dr. Syed was very pleasant. I enjoyed talking with her. I think that she has a new patient. Thank you, goodbye

Ellen H.

I’m old enough so I don’t need to have to get any more. Yea!!!!!

Aaron R.

Staff were kind and professional.

Don M.

Awesome staff and doctor. Couldn't be more pleased.

Joann K.

excellent experience with PA Noelle. very thorough andd good advice.

Robert M.

Dr Balogna was extremely attentive and asked many questions to find a good resolution to my issues. Dr was easy to talk with and ideas were insightful.

Deborah M.

Wonderful experience at surgery center. In and out on time with great care by all staff from front desk to release!

Leanna N.

Dr. John Weber is an outstanding doctor. I've had 4 colonoscopies at this center and his friendly professional personality makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. His staff follows his lead and are excellent as well. You are in good hands with Dr. Weber at the Center for digestive Health.

Russ R.

I spoke with Justina early in the afternoon and updated my history and medications. When I spoke with Dr Nandi later it was clear he had reviewed that information and considered it when deciding next steps. There was no time wasted repeating things. Dr Nandi was aware of all of my previous procedures and problems and addressed everything. Could not be happier with the encounter.

Janet G.

Everyone had there place and did it very well, all kind and compassionate, and Dr Bologna. Thank You Everyone

Daniel R.

I was treated with kind professional care and I recommend the Center for Digestive Health to anyone looking for a good place to take care of you.

paul C.

Very pleased with the entire experience when smooth is silk before the colonoscopy and after they were very pleasant to talk to answered all my questions very helpful. Everyone was very upbeat, which made it fun, it’s not something you enjoy doing it but when you have good people, it makes it that much better thanks

Mehrdad N.

i was very please with the staff and their care. Thank you

Kathy L.

All of the staff at the Center for Digestive Health/Surgical Centers of Michigan appeared very personable, professional and efficient performing their designated duties. I felt very comfortable under their care. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone needing Digestive Health/Surgical Care.

catherine M.

It was an easy, patient friendly experience. Questions could be addressed and answered because the PA had access to medical records and was informed

Larry M.

Your Macomb facility is the best. The best support staff and the best health care facilitators and doctors. I feel blessed to have been under their care.

Karen B.

For a procedure that is not very looked forward to, or dignified, everyone took care of me respectfully, and made sure I was comfortable, available to answer any questions professionally, and with a sense of humor. Thank you for your expertise, when people feel most vulnerable. I was as much at ease as a person could be, and appreciate your staff and their kindness.

Chuck O.

By far the best service I have ever received at a physicians office. It started with the young lady who took my information and it continued through my procedure and ended with the young man that made sure I made it to my car OK after my anesthesia. Five stars isn’t enough

Angela B.

Dr. Bakken is incredibly kind and understanding. She made me feel welcome and she genuinely listens.

M Z G.

Noelle was very thorough. She remembered what we had discussed before an gave me some new options! The office staff is also very helpful! Thank you!

Lynn C.

Wonderful experience from start to finish! The employees at unasource were so nice and friendly. The procedure was much more pleasant than the hospital setting! Thank you!

Robert M.

Would HIGHLY recommend this practice to anyone looking for a Gastroenterologist. They are incredibly efficient and treat their patients like gold!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6270 reviews

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Karin P.

They were punctual, Courteous and well organized

Dave B.

why send review ir Cordwell health , they change what you write Dr Nandy is a great concerning dr.

Jason W.

The staff at Center for Digestive Health were just amazing! They were so nice, and very professional! As a new patient going through his first screening, they made me feel VERY comfortable. Great staff 10/10, 5 stars etc. everybody go works they should be very proud.

Steve R.

Repeat Client - I arrived at 10:20am for a Colonoscopy procedure, and was on my way to Lunch by 11:30am. The entire staff was great, very thorough and efficient from start to finish. Best sleep I ever had, see you in another 5 Dr. Bologna 👍🏻👍🏻

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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