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Lung Cancer Clinic
Each year more than 200,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer. However, despite the serious nature of lung cancer, the prognosis for beating it is much better than it was even five years ago, thanks to early detection efforts and new treatment strategies.
Esophageal Cancer Clinic
Esophageal cancer accounts for more than 16,000 new cases each year. Thanks to improved treatments and early intervention, the survival rates for esophageal cancer have improved greatly since the 1960s when only a small percentage of people with the disease survived more than five years.
Mesothelioma Clinic
Most mesotheliomas begin in the chest cavity. Though fairly rare, there are still about 2,000 to 3,000 new cases each year, primarily in men over 65. Early detection and intervention by doctors at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute's thoracic program is essential in treating the disease.
Lung Nodule Clinic
The presence of lung nodules does not automatically signal that you have cancer. Benign nodules can actually be quite common. To ensure that the nodules aren't cancerous, doctors at FHCI will monitor changes in size, shape or appearance through regular tests.
Uncommon Malignancies Clinic
Rare forms of cancer include carcinoid tumors, mediastinal tumors and thymoma. Each of these presents unique challenges that doctors at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute address with a broad range of traditional and leading edge treatment strategies.
Who We Are
Joseph Boyer, MD
Learn more about the role of the thoracic surgeon in the treatment of thoracic cancer.
Tarek Mekhail, MD
Learn more about the role of the medical oncologist in the treatment of thoracic cancer.
Esophageal Cancer Symptoms
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Send to friendCancer of the esophagus begins in the lining of the esophagus and then grows through the wall. Using the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, it can then spread to other parts of the body.
In its early stages there may not be any obvious symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, the following symptoms may become noticeable:
- Food gets stuck in the esophagus or has a tendency to want to come back up
- Feeling pain when swallowing
- Pain in the chest or the back
- Unanticipated weight loss
- Heartburn
- A cough or a hoarse voice that you've had more than two weeks
- Vomiting blood or passing old blood with bowel movements
If you have one or more of these symptoms, you'll want to see your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the greater chance you will have of beating this disease. Contact us now to schedule an appointment with Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.
What Causes Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is relatively uncommon in the United States, affecting less than 5 in every 100,000 people.
Squamous cell esophageal cancer is most often due to smoking and overconsumption of alcohol. While the rate of squamous cell cancer has remained about the same in recent years, the rate of adeonocarcinoma has increased dramatically. One of the contributing factors is the increase in Barrett's esophagus cases. A complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's needs to be periodically monitored with an upper GI endoscopy as it is a risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma.
Lifestyle choices can affect the likelihood of contracting cancer of the esophagus. This can include smoking, heavy drinking (more than three alcoholic drinks a day), obesity, acid reflux or being afflicted with Barrett's esophagus. Also, men are three times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than women and the risk increases significantly in the later years of life.
The professionals at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute's Esophageal Cancer Clinic will be happy to review your health and lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of contracting cancer of the esophagus later in life. Often, just a few small changes can make a big difference down the road.
