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 6246 reviews

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Kim K.

Dr. Willie is kind, caring and very knowledgeable I enjoyed my appointment with him. He explains the problem and also follows through with a follow up visit. You feel definitely at ease with Dr. Willie.

Tammy P.

High praise for my first colonoscopy! Staff, especially Lily and Paige, were awesome. Friendly and patient answering all questions. Dr. Donat was thorough and provided great results and answer to questions. From check-in to check-out, all staff were amazing!

Linda A.

Enjoyed how quick the process went. Very professional.

Becky O.

Everyone is so pleasant, efficient and competent. Everything runs so smoothly

Leah B.

I had my first colonoscopy recently done at the CDM. All the staff were very friendly and accommodating- from registration, to nurses, to the doctor, etc. I would recommend this facility to anyone. 10/10

Tracy M.

Friendly Service..

Jerry H.

Everyone from start to finish were amazing. Thank you everyone.

Robert S.

Dr Quallich and the staff are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Dr Quallich.

Theresa W.

Great place. The staff is exceptional from beginning to end. My husband and I both have been and neither of us had complaints. Friendly environment and they make you very comfortable. I would recommend them to anyone. 😊

Richard N.

Great facility. Awesome staff. Everyone was very kind and professional. Dr. Quallich is simply the best. He listens to his patients and explains procedures and test results well.

J L.

This was a quick and relatively painless procedure, and the staff very friendly and profressional in getting me prepared and making sure I was comfortable after the procedure was done.

L G.

Everyone was professional and helpful. They explained everything also.

Theresa B.

I feel very hopeful that my condition can be corrected because my doctor is the BEST!

Sheryl Van G.

Very organized, efficient, caring and friendly. Made the experience fairly easy to get through.

Ingrid H.

Wonderful, kind staff. The entire experience put my mind at ease and I am so grateful.

Sean B.

Dr. Wille and his NP’s are Top Notch with regards to taking care of my gastrointestinal issues. I’ll be honest, I did have a bad experience with another Dr in the group and will never see him again. Regarding Dr. Wille, he was my father’s GI doc and helped him live some 20 years after his colon cancer. As for me, I’m in my early 60’s and Dr. Wille is well aware of my family history, taking great care of me and has a great bedside manner. I met Nicolette this week for the 1st time and she was easy to talk to (even if it is/was a difficult conversation).

Mary L.

All the staff are very personable.

Eclipse4unow W.

Excellent, everyone was helpful and nice.

L S.

Surprisingly refreshing group of friendly, kind, skilled medical professionals. Very happy with their care.

ClairJ

I have complete confidence in this professional medical organization because of the consistency with which excellent care is provided. You will be in good hands.

Jennifer M.

The NICEST STAFF ever !! Everyone from the front desk to the doctors absolutely amazing . The facility is clean , the staff is knowledgeable Highly recommend

Cheryl P.

Everyone there are so pleasant

Monica H.

Staff and doctor were exceptional. Very professional, courteous and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.

Amanda P.

Everything was like a well oiled machine. From check-in to discharge super efficient.

Sheila H.

It’s always scary going in for surgery, but I have to say this place is one of a kind. The team that you work with makes you feel so comfortable. Any questions they will do what they can to get the answer.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6251 reviews

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Chip A.

Noelle is a HUGE asset to this organization...

Lynn D.

Staff is prompt, friendly, efficient, and overall exemplary. If I could improve one thing it would be to have a more spacious and comfortable waiting room.

Pamela R.

Dr. Quallick is a great and his staff also. They are very professional, caring and don’t forget to make you wait for weeks to get back with you. Just things like that mean a lot. I would recommend all their practice to anyone.

Ellen M.

I really appreciated how quickly they got me in, I've been to one other office where I waited 2 hours. Everyone was very kind 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

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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