To properly treat cancer, it's important to know how deeply it has invaded the esophagus and where it is located. At the beginning, cancer may occur only in the top layer of the esophagus lining, where it's easier to cure. As it advances, cancer may go deeper into the wall of the esophagus. It may invade another organ. Also, as cancer goes deeper, it increases the risk that cancerous cells may go into lymph nodes. The lymph nodes capture bacteria, viruses, and other harmful material-- including abnormal cells-- moving through the body. Cancer may eventually spread to lymph nodes and organs a far distance from the esophagus. When cancer is only in the esophagus and has not invaded very deeply, it's called early-stage disease. When cancer is deep in the esophagus or has spread to nearby lymph nodes, it's called locally advanced disease. When cancer has spread to other organs, it's called late-stage disease. There are a number of tests that help locate cancer in the body. To make the best use of your time and financial resources, these are typically done in a certain order. First, a CT scan may be ordered to see if cancer has spread to the lungs or liver. If cancer is not seen in those locations, a PET scan may be ordered. PET scans sometimes discover cancer not seen by a CT scan. In this test, a small amount of low level radioactive substance is added to the blood. Tumors absorb more of this substance than healthy tissue does, causing them to show up on the image. Instead of ordering a CT scan followed by a PET scan, your physician may order a new test that combines both technologies in one procedure. If a scan reveals cancer outside the esophagus, the usual procedure is to biopsy that tissue. If cancer is confirmed, the next step is to discuss treatment options with providers who specialize in the treatment of cancer. If the scans do not show cancer outside the esophagus, your physician may order an endoscopic ultrasound of the area where the tumor was originally found. An ultrasound probe sends out sound waves that help produce images. These images may show the depth of the tumor and whether cancer cells are in the lymph nodes. It's important to know that individual cancer cells in lymph nodes may not be seen by CT scans, PET scans, or ultrasound. There are a number of ways to treat cancer of the esophagus, including esophagectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Sometimes these treatments are used in combination. The treatments used depend on whether the cancer is early-stage, late-stage, or locally advanced, the patient's condition, and other factors. Discuss your treatment options, including the risks and benefits of each, with your health care team. The chance of curing esophageal cancer is relatively high if it is found early and promptly treated. Work with your health team to develop a plan for regularly checking the condition of your esophagus. And taking appropriate steps to protect your health. Mayo Clinic has a very large team with an international reputation for its skill in diagnosing and treating reflux, Barrett's esophagus, and esophagus cancer. Mayo Clinic's division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is recognized as number one by US news and World Report. If you wish, you may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial of a new or improved treatment. Go to mayoclinic.org to find out how to request an appointment with a Mayo Clinic physician.