Esophageal cancer or not?

Posted by logankukowski @logankukowski, Oct 16, 2023

My father after having problems swallowing had a CT scan before 2months showing a tumor at the upper part of his esophagus. One month later PET CT confirmed 6cm tumor with high SUVmax at the upper part of the esophagus but also a small one on the right pulmonary lobe.
First attempt for a biopsy sample through gastroscopy failed since it seems that the tumor is growing outside esophagus (or on the outer layer of it?) keeping esophageal inlet closed. A week later with a CT guided biopsy sampling although we got material it turned out to be normal tissue.
Last attempt was with surgery through the neck which showed up high infection with mycosis presence. Biopsy result apart for the infection revealed aggresive adenocarcinoma with possible origin being the esophagus.
Our oncologist is still hesitant about the result since she claims that sometimes results are not 100% accurate about the cancer origin as there might be a possibility that this is a lung cancer.
Does this case sound familiar to anyone? Could she be right? Is it really so rare that it is almost impossible that cancer grows at the upper part of esophagus and at the outer layer of it?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

I had trouble swallowing due to tumor in lower esophagus. They did endoscopy and took sample and it was cancerous. The good news is I had 28 days of radiatio and chemo and the tumor and cancer are gone. So what is the next step to decide orign of cancer plan to treat?

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@logankukowski, I'm wondering if your father has had confirmation about his diagnosis. Have you thought of getting a second opinion from cancer specialists at Mayo Clinic? Has the origin of his tumor been determined?

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Having just been the beneficiary of a very skilled Cancer Care Team at Mayo Clinic - chemo, radiation, and surgery with best possible result (no cancer found upon surgery) - I second Colleen’s inquiry and suggestion for a second opinion at Mayo Clinic.

I’m happy to talk with you and/or your dad about my experience with all of this if you want to do that.

Best of luck. Stay strong!

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Definitely and please get a 2nd opinion. Waiting, not knowing is so very stressful.

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@aimeevuk

From my experience with adenocarcinoma-type cancer or any aggressive firm or cancer, getting your Dad treated either with surgery, chemo or radiation is most important, whether lung esophagus, and having the best physicians/oncologists at your side next best.

Trust your heart and seek counsel or second opinions. Seek second opinion and begin to schedule treatment simultaneously to save time.

Praying now for your Dad and you.

God bless you!

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@colleenyoung

@logankukowski, I'm wondering if your father has had confirmation about his diagnosis. Have you thought of getting a second opinion from cancer specialists at Mayo Clinic? Has the origin of his tumor been determined?

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Hi @colleenyoung . I'm sorry I can't respond to you private. Have you received my discussion under the @jcr ? I think something went wrong with my msgs.

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@jcrs

Hi @colleenyoung . I'm sorry I can't respond to you private. Have you received my discussion under the @jcr ? I think something went wrong with my msgs.

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