Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus—the hollow, layered tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Cancer of the esophagus typically develops in the innermost layer and grows outward. The TGH Esophageal Cancer Center, in partnership with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, provides world-class esophageal cancer care to patients.
Researchers believe long-term irritation of the esophagus may lead to esophageal cancer. This irritation can result from medical conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Plummer-Vinson syndrome, and achalasia. Esophageal cancer is also related to factors like smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol, weight, or a low diet intake of fruits and vegetables and high intake of processed meats. While several risk factors for this disease have been identified, the exact cause of esophageal cancer is not fully understood.
At Tampa General, we’re here to support your entire cancer journey - from diagnosis to treatment.
The Tampa General Difference
The TGH Esophageal Cancer Center offers a truly multidisciplinary and collaborative service comprised of gastrointestinal, head and neck, thoracic, and foregut specialists from across TGH, backed by the power of academic medicine through the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. In fact, the TGH Cancer Institute has been named Top 10% in the Nation for Cancer Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26 and is named one of America's Best Cancer Hospitals by Newsweek for 2025. At Tampa General Hospital, our commitment to pioneering treatments, world-class care and innovation ensures every patient receives world-class, personalized treatment, which sets us apart as leaders in esophageal cancer care.
Esophageal Cancer Team
Our multidisciplinary esophageal cancer team includes specialists from otolaryngology, gastroenterology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, speech language pathology, physical therapy, clinical nutrition, and cancer nurse navigators. The team works closely together to offer screening, diagnosis, and comprehensive multidisciplinary care for patients with esophageal tumors and/or lesions.
Esophageal Cancer & Other Conditions We Treat
TGH’s Esophageal Cancer Center offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for benign, precancerous and cancerous conditions of the esophagus, including:
- Achalasia
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Dysphagia
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Esophageal atresia
- Esophageal cancer
- Esophageal diverticulum
- Esophageal motility disorders
- Esophageal spasms
- Esophageal strictures
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal hernias
Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis & Tests
Diagnosing esophageal cancer usually begins with a physical examination and review of your symptoms. Additionally, the team at TGH’s Esophageal Cancer Center utilizes diagnostic techniques and technologies to detect, identify, and monitor esophageal cancer, including:
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Laboratory tests
- Blood chemistry study
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) tumor marker test
- Liver enzyme test
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) test
- Mismatch repair (MMR) test
- PD-L1 test
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Imaging studies
- Barium swallow study
- Chest computed tomography (CT) scan
- Chest X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) X-ray
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Endoscopic procedures
- Bronchoscopy
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Laparoscopy
- Thoracoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
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Biopsies
- Esophageal biopsy
Screening for At-Risk Patients
For patients with Barrett’s esophagus, TGH specialists utilize the most advanced diagnostic tools and technologies to measure precancerous changes in the esophagus. Patients may also undergo surgery to eliminate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to prevent Barrett’s from developing.
Esophageal Cancer Treatment Options
Our Esophageal Cancer Center offers multidisciplinary care for a variety of diagnoses. Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on multiple factors, such as the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health. Surgery to remove tumors and surrounding tissue is often recommended for patients whose cancer has not spread outside of the esophagus, sometimes alongside radiation therapy or chemotherapy to help shrink cancerous growths before surgery. When surgery is not an option, therapies to slow cancer growth and reduce symptoms—such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, molecularly targeted therapy or immunotherapy—may be recommended.
TGH patients have access to a full spectrum of treatment options for benign, precancerous and cancerous conditions of the esophagus such as:
- Medical oncology
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Radiation oncology
- Brachytherapy
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
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Surgical oncology
- Endoscopic mucosal resection
- Esophagogastrectomy
- Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
- Thoracoabdominal gastrectomy
- Transhiatal esophagectomy
Tailored Surgical Approach
At Tampa General, our patients who undergo esophageal resection surgery benefit from the expertise of two surgeons from varying disciplines to help provide optimal outcomes. TGH and USF Health esophageal surgeons have extensive experience in treating a broad range of esophageal tumors using tailored surgical approaches that vary from patient to patient. This methodology includes highly specialized techniques, including robotic surgeons using techniques that are only available at a few centers in Florida. The benefits of this treatment include significantly reduced post-operative pain, shortened recovery, and improved quality of life. Due to the depth and breadth of our surgical experience, we accept transfers from across the region and state.
In addition, the ancillary support at TGH and USF allows the esophageal oncology team to offer surgical options to patients with a high likelihood to have other diseases that may impact their cancer journey, and to those who are often rejected at other centers where they are considered too risky for surgery.
Micro-Vascular Surgery Program
TGH and USF Health’s microvascular surgery program offers complex reconstructive procedures to assist patients with serious esophageal injuries, including tracheal esophageal fistulas. Our program incorporates advanced techniques such as 3D modeling, allowing specialists to create custom treatment plans, models, and implants. These capabilities have made TGH a destination site for the care of esophageal tumors.
Comprehensive Medical Oncology Services
The medical oncology team at Tampa General provides innovative treatment for patients with esophageal cancer utilizing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Our team also provides access to promising experimental treatments in clinical trials when other approaches have failed.
Radiation Oncology Program
Radiation oncologists at TGH Cancer Institute are experts in delivering the latest treatments that are designed to maximize the anti-cancer effects. A team of nationally recognized academic specialists provides advanced therapies designed to target tumors with precision, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and limiting treatment-related side effects.
Support Services for Esophageal Cancer Patients
We know there’s a lot more to cancer than just the actual treatment. With this in mind, we offer comprehensive support services to ensure that patients receive world-class care far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Starting with our nurse navigator who will be with you every step of the way, our support services include genetic counseling, hospice services, nutrition services, oncology psychology services, an outpatient rehabilitation program (including physical, occupational, speech, lymphedema, and biofeedback therapy), palliative care, patient advocacy and education, patient and caregiver support groups, social work, spiritual care, a survivorship program and financial assistance. Our goal at TGH is to provide you with unparalleled clinical care and more.
Esophageal Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
We further demonstrate our continued commitment to world-class care through active participation in clinical trials, which can provide our patients with access to advanced therapies and technologies. For more information on how our research and clinical trials are positively impacting patients, check out our research and clinical trials page.
