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 6254 reviews

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Carole S.

Low key, great Doctor who explains issues in layman language. Staff is very accommodating.

Pamela B.

I highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health! The staff was very friendly and professional. The office was clean and comfortable. The staff and Dr took very good care of me and made me feel comfortable! They stayed within their timeline for treatment and they checked on me with a phone call the day after my visit.

Nancy F.

Very professional and very nice staff. I felt very comfortable with the care I received.

Jay L.

Made me feel safe and let me know it was going to be ok

Lanny B.

Dr Qualich and his entire staff were proficient and engaging. My appointment was at 820 and I was home by 1020 having both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. I couldn't have been more pleased with the entire experience.

Patricia B.

Taken in on time! Every segment of procedure was met with extremely professional and very caring nurses and doctors! A truly comfortable experience!

Tracy T.

I was very nervous but Dr. Bologna was very caring and put my mind at ease. Staff were very nice.

Johnette Y.

From my arrival time until I left the staff was Amazing and the Dr.

Ryan A.

Excellent experience

Felix W.

Everyone, from intake, prep, and the doctors are friendly, on task and excel at their job. I was informed every step of the way, and felt cared for.

Jason H.

They are very professional and made me feel very comfortable.

Elaine G.

The visit was short but got all problems taken care of ,

Patti R.

Professional and almost always prompt with a genuinely friendly staff. Dr Weber is the best!

Jennifer H.

The staff we wonderful and Dr. Willi was very receptive to my issues.

Jim W.

When i first met Dr Tocco, I was surprised at how young he appears (probably because I am 64) but was reminded of that by my wife. I immediately felt at ease with him. he is easy to talk to and will answer questions in a conversation instead of a clinical sounding way. the staff is very warm and helpful.

Rudy A.

Dr. Weber is one of the best doctors I had in my life. Professional, friendly, understanding, and NEVER IS IN A HURRY TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS.

Richard S.

Procedure was timely, staff knowledgeable and friendly.

Annette G.

Doctor and staff are wonderful!!! I have no complaints!!

Liz M.

The staff is great and made me feel very comfortable. I always have Dr Donat do my procedures, have been going to him for over 15 years.

Larry N.

The most friendly and professional medical facility I have ever visited. Every contact during my visit was efficient. Each person communicated exactly what was happening.

L G.

Everyone was professional and helpful. They explained everything also.

A V.

In my experience this is a very punctual and easy to communicate with office, not easy to find these days. The staff and Doctor were very down to earth and helpful

Debra C.

Love Dr Bakken and all of the staff at the Center of Digestive Health. So efficient, friendly and knowledgeable! I will never go anywhere else or see anyone other than Dr Bakken. A very well run facility.

Mark S.

The home prep for the procedure I had lis unpleasant, but that is not the fault of Dr. Weber and his awesome team. From check in to checkout, they are all very organized, timely, have great bedside manners and are awesome communicators. The facility was modern and very clean. I felt well taken care by a staff that really cares. Thanks!

Darlene G.

The nicest group of friendly, caring professionals that make you feel comfortable and take the time to listen to you! Excellent care before, during, and after your procedure. Dr. Weber and his team are awesome!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6259 reviews

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sarab J.

Everyone from Dr. Willie to the nurses and staff are the best.

Polly M.

Colonoscopy… not something people look forward to but is something that makes you Proactive with your Health rather than having to be reactive later on. The staff is wonderful and a big shout out to Dr. Willie…my favorite doctor with the best laugh:)

Vanel S.

Great care and service from professional and caring people.

Jeanette D.

Efficient, caring and friendly service

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

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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