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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Top rated

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6268 reviews

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TerriLynn S.

From the first phone call to set up the procedure I was put at ease. When I came in to be checked in the ladies at the front desk were so nice and friendly then the nurse who asked all the questions so nice and informative. The nurse that put in my iv got it the first time! Wow! The anesthesiologist and the nurse who were in the room to do the scope kept me calm. The Dr is very kind. And made me comfortable. Can’t leave out the nurses in recovery. So nice! It doesn’t happen to much where everyone in a doctors office are kind and compassionate but this one is. Thank you for making me feel taken care of.

Sandra T.

I recently had a colonoscopy performed by Dr. Donat at the Center for Digestive Health in Troy and I was very impressed with the staff, nurses and Dr. Donat. My procedure was painless and I was treated so kindly and I was very comfortable. After the procedure I was given a copy of the pictures of my colon explaining what the Dr. performed and he did come to me in the recovery room and explained everything, leaving me very relieved and informed. The nurses and Anesthesiologist were so kind and comforting. I would recommend this center to all my family and friends for all their surgical needs.

Jenny H.

Dr. Bologna was very professional with great bedside manners. All the staff was very friendly. I was treated with respect.

Robert C.

Great staff and gear experience

Nancy E.

Overall experience was good,however as a recovery nurse myself,I felt like I was being forced to get out and be sent home.i had difficulty standing and getting dressed and felt another 15-20 minutes of sleep would have done me well

Aaron R.

Staff were kind and professional.

Connie S.

The appt was on time & I felt my Doctor listened attentively & responded with applicable recommendations for me.

Jeff F.

I needed a scope asap and they got me scheduled in less than a week. The Hospital wait was a month.

Devadatta M.

Thank you for the positive experience. The medical procedure was done in a very transparent and efficient manner.

Marianna M.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Always accommodating. Highly recommend for all digestive issues.

karen D.

Everyone was so pleasant and caring from the office staff, nurses, anesthesiologist and Dr Willie. I would recommend them to all the people I know. 💕

Elaine B.

Wet kind,efficient and fast . A pleasant experience

James W.

Staff is very friendly, they address any concerns you have and put your mind at ease going into procedure.

Debe L.

Top notch facility!! From the time I walked in the door, to the time I Ieft, I had nothing but kindness and professionalism! Highly recommend this place. Also, Dr Donat is the best!!!

Martin D.

All the staff is very compassionate, and considerate. They make you feel at ease, even when you’re feeling nervous and overwhelmed

Bo Y.

High skill doctor. Nice nurse

Gail M.

Amy and Kathy were the best nurses!

Monika P.

The entire team at Center for Digestive Health at Macomb is friendly and efficient. I had a great experience during my visit!

Baby B.

My doctor, Dr. Saeed, was absolutely amazing, helpful, and kind. I would highly recommend her.

Holly R.

No wait time for Telehealth. Prompt, attentive and thorough throughout the visit. Great Experience at a Specialist!

alan F.

I have been going to see Dr. Bologna for some time now and have always been highly satisfied with him and his organization.

Padma T.

Very friendly, courteous staff. Made it easy to make appointments and supportive during the visit. Highly Recommend.

Patrick K.

Excellent care by an outstanding staff!

David F.

Everyone was very courteous to my being comfortable and explained all steps leading up to the procedure.

Mary B.

I had surgery at Troy Beaumount yesterday. Upon meeting Dr. Tocco for the first time I was pleasantly surprised. He explained everything prior and after the procedure. The staff was very understanding and answered all of my questions.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6273 reviews

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Beth L.

Beth Loconsole 08/08/2021 My experience with Doctor Bakken is, and always has been outstanding! She is a “VERY” kind, caring, compassionate and a beautiful woman inside and out!!! I would recommend her highly!!!

Jeanine M.

It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Quallich. He was patient and listened to all I had to say. He took the time to explain everything to me. I feel confident moving forward with the medications and procedures he has recommended.

Matthew W.

Professional, friendly, and caring experience from start to finish! Couldn’t have asked for a better team of nurses, doctors, and staff.

Jessica K.

Everyone was so nice. The whole process was well organized, quick and easy. I was very impressed with all the staff

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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