Radiation therapy is the use of penetrating beams of high-energy
waves or streams of particles called radiation to treat disease.
Radiation therapy destroys the ability of cancer cells to grow
and divide. Radiation does not cure esophageal cancer (or most
other types of cancer), but it does offer temporary relief of
symptoms and in some cases shrinkage of the tumor. Radiation
used in conjunction with chemotherapy and sometimes followed by
esophagectomy may offer improved survival over any method used
alone. Type of Radiation Therapy Used for Esophageal Cancer Both
external and internally placed radiation sources are used to
treat esophageal cancer. In external radiation therapy, rays are
directed at the tumor from outside the body. Internal radiation
therapy, also called brachytherapy, places the radiation source
as close as possible to the cancer cells. Radioactive material,
sealed in a thin wire, catheter, or tube, is placed directly
into the affected tissue. Radiation therapy may be offered to
you as part