Esophageal cancer treatment with endoscopic ablation

Endoscopic ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat esophageal cancer, mainly in its early stage, i. e. , when the cancer is only in the surface layers of the esophagus and hasn't spread deeper or to other body parts. The treatment begins with standard procedures: taking a clinical history, reviewing medical records, and performing a physical examination. The patient also consults with a specialist who treats digestive system cancers. The patient then undergoes a series of laboratory tests to assess the patient's overall health and indications for the treatment. Finally, the doctors perform visual studies to understand the tumor's location, size, and stage. The treatment begins with giving local anesthesia. Then, the endoscopic ablation procedure passes a thin tube (endoscope) into the esophagus. Next, it uses laser heat to destroy the cancer cells in the esophagus lining. The patient receives post-procedure care and symptomatic treatment after the procedure. Endoscopic ablation can be a very effective treatment for early-stage esophageal cancer. It can remove cancerous cells while causing less damage to healthy tissues than more invasive procedures. As a result, the recovery time is often shorter, and the patient experiences fewer side effects. This approach can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and chances of long-term survival.