Esophageal Cancer
Cancer that begins in the esophagus is divided into two major types, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas are present in squamous cells that line the esophagus. They usually occur in the upper and middle part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas usually develop in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus. Treatment is similar for both types.
The exact causes of esophageal cancer is not known, but the following risk factors can increase the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. These risk factors are: age, sex, tobacco use, alcohol use, Barrett’s esophagus, and medical history. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: difficult or painful swallowing, severe weight loss, pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades, hoarseness or chronic cough, vomiting, and coughing up blood.
Testing is done to help find the cause of symptoms, and may include a barium swallow or an endoscopy. If an abnormal area is found during an endoscopy the doctor can collect cells and tissue in a procedure called a biopsy. The biopsy can show cancer, tissue changes that may lead to cancer, or other conditions. If the diagnosis is esophageal cancer the next step is to determine the stage of the disease to see if it has spread to any other parts of the body. Some tests used to determine this are, CT scan, bone scan, and bronchoscopy.
Treatment options depend on size, location, and extent of the tumor, and the general health of the patient. Patients are often treated by a team of specialists, which may include a gastroenterologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. Treatment options available for esophageal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy. After diagnosis, a treatment plan that is best for you will be decided upon by you and your physician.
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February 15 Look Good Feel Better
This has been postponed until further notice. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our patients, staff, residents and community members safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Look Good Feel Better is a free program that teaches beauty ...
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January 19 Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group
WHO : Anybody who has had a stroke, TBI, or Brain Injury and their families, caregivers, or friends are welcome! WHAT YOU NEED : Computer or phone, a microphone, and speakers, a webcam (optional), & an internet connection. HOW TO JOIN : Visit our ...
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January 21 Survivors of the Loss of Suicide Support Group
The death of a loved one by suicide presents special problems in grieving. There is often more shock, a greater sense of injustice, more guilt and blame, a heightened sense of helplessness; and these all tend to complicate the healing process for ...
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January 21 Seeking Safety Group
Seeking Safety is a group open to women who have experienced trauma and have a history of problems with substance use. This group is a safe place to learn coping skills on how to manage daily life more effectively. Seeking Safety also provides ...
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January 19 Al-Anon Group Meetings
This has been postponed until further notice. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our patients, staff, residents, and community members safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Al-Anon meetings are for those affected by others' drinking. Here ...
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January 19 Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Support Group
The Behavioral Health Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Group meets every Tuesday from 5–6 pm. This outpatient group provides ongoing relapse prevention and aftercare services to our clients who have successfully completed one of our more ...
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January 19 Alzheimer's Support Group
Over 8,500 people in Wyoming are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 28,000 family and friends are helping to care for them. Alzheimer’s is often referred to as a ‘caregivers disease’ because of the tremendous toll – physically, emotionally and ...
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"My wife (Gerie Helton) and I traveled to Cody for our anniversary trip to Yellowstone National Park. On September 23, 2018 which would have been the first day of our trip she dislocated her left hip ( which had been replaced in 2009 0r 2010) while putting on her socks ( of all things.) We were staying at the Sunrise Motor Inn which fortunately was a short ambulance ride to your emergency room. The experience we had beginning with the EMT's who responded to the ambulance call, to the emergency room, and the next day on the second floor of your fine hospital is what ..."
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"ER department went to great lengths to make this "out of towner" feel comfortable. Dr. Polley and Nurse Sarah were very professional and had a great bedside manner. It was my worst asthma attack and I felt very confident that I was getting top notch care."
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"I was a walk in patient on 5/29/18. I had been sick for several days while on a month long motorhome trip. The reception staff was friendly and efficient. I was seen quickly by the PA on duty, Robert Lang. He listened to me, did an exam, diagnosed my illness as acute bronchitis, and prescribed the necessary medication. I was feeling better in just a few days which enabled me to enjoy the remainder of my trip. I was sick and a long way from home so I really appreciated the excellent and friendly care that I received."
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