Oesophageal Cancer Treatment in Mumbai
Comprehensive Care at Nanavati Max Hospital
Understanding Oesophageal Cancer
Oesophageal cancer (cancer of the food pipe) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide and is particularly prevalent in India. The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma (more common in India, often linked to tobacco and alcohol use) and adenocarcinoma (associated with GERD and Barrett’s oesophagus, more common in Western countries).
Oesophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms — difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chest pain — are frequently ignored or attributed to other causes. Early detection and treatment by a specialised surgical oncologist are critical for the best outcomes.
Treatment Options for Oesophageal Cancer
Surgical Treatment — Oesophagectomy
Surgery is the cornerstone of curative treatment for oesophageal cancer. An oesophagectomy involves removing the affected portion of the oesophagus along with surrounding lymph nodes, and reconstructing the digestive tract — typically using the stomach (gastric pull-up) or, less commonly, a segment of the colon.
At Nanavati Max, Dr. Nagarajan and his team perform minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) using the Da Vinci Xi robotic system and 4K laparoscopic systems. This approach reduces post-operative pain, shortens hospital stay, and improves recovery compared to the traditional open approach.
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation
For locally advanced oesophageal cancers, the current standard of care involves chemoradiation (combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy) before surgery. This approach shrinks the tumour, makes it more resectable, and has been shown to improve survival outcomes.
Definitive Chemoradiation
For patients who are not candidates for surgery (due to tumour extent or medical comorbidities), definitive chemoradiation may be offered as the primary treatment.
Why Choose Nanavati Max for Oesophageal Cancer
The oncology operation suites at Nanavati Max feature the most advanced Da Vinci Xi system which enables high-precision technology specifically for oesophageal malignancies. The hospital’s Halcyon linear accelerators and TrueBeam Linac with ExacTrac deliver highly targeted radiation therapy. The multidisciplinary team includes GI surgical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nutritionists to provide comprehensive care.
Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan — Robotic Cancer Surgeon
Expert Oncologist Surgeon | Cancer Specialist
Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan is a certified robotic surgeon and a key member of Nanavati Max’s Centre for Robotic Surgery and Robotic Oncology Surgery Program. Having trained at institutions at the forefront of minimally invasive oncology — including Tata Memorial Hospital (India’s premier cancer centre) and Hospital Beaujon in Paris — he brings a global perspective to robotic cancer care.
His approach follows a clear principle: robotic surgery is offered when it provides a genuine clinical advantage to the patient without compromising cancer outcomes. For patients where open surgery provides a better oncological result, he will recommend the open approach. The decision is always guided by what is best for the patient, not by the technology itself.
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Related FAQ’s
Can oesophageal cancer be cured?
When detected early (Stage I-II) and treated with surgery, oesophageal cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 40-50%. Even with locally advanced disease, neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery offers meaningful survival benefit.
What is recovery like after oesophagectomy?
Hospital stay is typically 8-12 days. Patients transition from liquid to soft to regular diet over 4-6 weeks. Nutritional support is provided throughout.
Ready to discuss your treatment options? Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan is available for virtual consultations via WhatsApp video call or the hospital’s telemedicine platform.
Call +91 7304663828 | WhatsApp +91 7700058024 | Book Video Consultation
