Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Israel

The term esophageal cancer refers to a malignant growth in the esophagus, which is a tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. It usually develops in the organ's lining. Common symptoms include dysphagia, nausea and/or vomiting, hoarseness, weight loss and pain behind the breast bone. Esophageal cancer treatment in Israel takes place in the country's best hospitals.

There are two types of esophageal malignancy – adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, each with different risk factors. Adenocarcinomas, which are far more common amongst men than women, have been associated with GERD, obesity, and HP infections. Squamous cell carcinomas' risk factors include smoking and poor oral hygiene, excessive alcohol consumption, regular consumption of extremely hot beverages and physical trauma.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis stage will include the following investigations:

• Extensive blood workup (including CBC, CMP, coagulation factors, electrolyte levels and tumour markers)
• Pathology revision (provided a pathological study has been performed in the past)
• Gastroscopy with a new biopsy
• Optional: Expedited histopathological study
• PET/CT scan to assess the tumour's size and rule out mets
• Abdominal surgical oncologist consultation
• Gastric oncologist consultation

Please note that the above list is subject to change based on findings.

Treatment

As esophageal carcinomas are aggressive and tend to metastasize at a relatively early stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be required. As the decision regarding surgery is made only after all the relevant investigations have been completed, we cannot guarantee that it will be scheduled during your first visit.

If metastases are discovered, the first phase of treatment will involve chemotherapy or a combination of chemo and radiation therapy – this normally takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Please note that the final price of the Esophageal Cancer Treatment program will depend on the number of chemotherapy cycles and/or radiation fields required.

Please also note that if radiation therapy is indicated, surgery will take place no earlier than 4 to 6 weeks after its completion.

Esophageal Cancer Surgery in Israel

The cost of the operation will depend on its type and extent.

Price of partial resection (one third) / radical esophagectomy includes:

• Routine preoperative preparation including an ECG, chest X-ray and an anesthesiologist’s consultation
• Operative procedure and 7 days of hospitalization
• Disposable and specialized surgical materials (such as harmonic scalpels, staplers, cartridges, etc.)
• Intraoperative express biopsy and definitive histopathological study
• IONM
• Post-operative care

The procedure will take place at Tel Aviv's Assuta Medical Center.

It is advised you remain in Israel for approximately 14 days following your discharge from the hospital for outpatient follow-up and care.