Esophageal Cancer

Symptoms of esophageal cancer can be pain or difficulties swallowing food, weight loss, hoarseness, or coughing.

Esophageal cancer is diagnosed via a gastroscopy, often followed by a PET-CT scan and sometimes ultrasound to determine the tumor stage. Karolinska University Hospital offers world-class cancer care to ensure the best possible chance for survival for esophageal cancer patients.

Early-stage tumors are treated endoscopically with local resection using a gastroscope. Locally advanced cancer is often treated with a combination of oncological and surgical treatments. Oncological treatment can include chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Immunotherapy is sometimes recommended based on the tumor's molecular characteristics and stage.  
 
With about 50-60 surgeries each year, Karolinska performs more esophageal cancer surgeries than any other hospital in Sweden. We were the first center in the country to perform minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery for esophageal cancer. Approximately 90% of all esophageal surgery is performed with minimally invasive techniques.    
 
Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan after a multimodal treatment conference based on tumor stage, health condition, and personal preference. At Karolinska, we offer world-class individualized cancer care.