The oesophagus has 2 types of lining. Most of it is lined by squamous cells which are similar to our skin cells. Where the oesophagus joins the stomach, it is lined by columnar cells which are similar to the cells lining the rest of the digestive tract.
Oesophageal cancer is the cancer of the cells of the inner lining of the oesophagus.
Squamous cell Carcinoma: Cancer arising from the squamous lining part of the oesophagus.
Adenocarcinoma: Cancer arising from the columnar lining part.
In the early stages of esophageal cancer, it may not present with any symptoms. However, common symptoms include:
People with the above symptoms will need further evaluation.
Those with Barrett’s oesophagus may consider screening for oesophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer treatment depends on the location and stage of the disease as well as the general condition of the person.
Surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be necessary as an additional or alternative treatment.
Surgical treatment ranges from a minimally invasive approach to an open approach. The operation usually involves the removal of the diseased part of the oesophagus (oesophagectomy) and the surrounding lymph nodes. The stomach is then joined to the remaining oesophagus.
The treatment of oesophageal cancer depends on the location and stage of the disease as well as the general condition of the person. Patients with early stage disease have a better chance of survival.
The recovery will depend on the surgical approach (minimally invasive or open). After oesophagectomy, you may be monitored in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 1-2 days. The average length of stay in the hospital is between 7-10 days.
Oesophageectomy is a major surgery. The operation involves the removal of the diseased part of the oesophagus and the surrounding lymph nodes. The stomach is then joined to the remaining oesophagus.
You will not be able to eat or drink immediately after surgery. For some patients, small sips of water may be possible after 4-5 days.
A week after surgery, you will usually have a swallow study. If the test shows good flow without a leak, you can begin eating. At first, it will be liquids and soft foods. Subsequently, you should be able to tolerate a more normal diet. You will be advised to take small frequent meals and to eat slowly and chew well.
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Our clinics will be closed from 16 – 18 Feb for CNY
Our clinic at Mt Alvernia Medical Centre A will be relocating from #06-05 to #03-03 (within the same building) on Friday, 26 Sep afternoon.
Our telephone line 6353 4855 will be temporarily unavailable from 12:00pm – 6:00pm on 26 September. During this period, you may reach out to our other clinics for assistance:
We will begin operations at our new premises (#03-03) from Tuesday, 30 Sep onwards.
We look forward to serving you at our new clinic!
Nexus Surgical clinics at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre and Mt Alvernia Medical Centre will be closed on 28 January 2025 for Lunar New Year celebrations, while our clinic at Mt Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre remains open from 0900-1300 hours on 28 January 2025.
Please leave a message in our voice mails and we will respond to you as soon as we can when we resume our clinics on 31 January 2025. If you require any urgent assistance, kindly go to the Urgent Care Centre of any hospitals or contact your doctor through the Emergency Answering Service. Our team at Nexus Surgical would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year with good health in the Year of the Snake!
Nexus Surgical will be away from 17 to 20 October 2024 for our Annual Company Retreat. The aim of our retreat is to review and to recharge, so that we may serve you better.
Our clinics at Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Alvernia and Parkway East hospitals will therefore be closed during this period. In the meantime, if you require any urgent assistance, kindly contact us through our Answering Service at +65 6333 5550.
We thank you for your understanding and patience for any inconvenience.
