Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that early stage cancers of the esophagus can be treated effectively by organ-sparing endoscopic therapy, thereby avoiding the surgical removal of the esophagus.

In 20 percent of esophageal cancer cases in the U.S., the cancer is detected in the early stages," Ganapathy Prasad, M.D., endocrinologist and lead author on the study was quoted as saying. "Traditionally, esophageal cancer patients undergo a complicated surgery to remove the esophagus. Our team compared surgery to the use of endoscopic therapy, where a scope is inserted in the esophagus and the cancer cells are shaved off. Our results showed the less-invasive therapy was just as effective as surgery for early-stage cancers."

Ivanhoe.com, 09/07/09

Tags: Cancer, esophageal cancer, GI