We help you choose a clinic and an oncologist in Germany for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for esophageal cancer. First the doctors review your test results and histology, then you compare programs from several clinics.
12,000+ patients since 2016
No mark-up: you pay the clinic directly
Coordinating doctor 7 days a week
The essentials
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the wall of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The most common types are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In early stages the disease may cause no symptoms, while later there may be difficulty swallowing, chest pain and weight loss.
Treatment of esophageal cancer in Germany is planned by a tumor board: a surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist and a gastroenterologist. Depending on the stage and type of tumor, endoscopic removal, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination are considered. We help you get the opinion of German specialists before you travel, compare clinic programs and arrange treatment.
How treatment can help
Remove the tumorIf the tumor is operable, the surgeon removes the affected part of the esophagus together with nearby lymph nodes.
Shrink the tumor before surgeryChemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery may shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.
Make swallowing easierIn advanced disease, treatment aims to restore the passage of food and improve well-being.
The result depends on the stage, the type of tumor and the patient's general condition. The treatment plan is decided by a tumor board after reviewing the test results.
When to ask for a review
Esophageal cancer is confirmedby a biopsy during endoscopy
A tumor is suspectedswallowing is difficult, endoscopy found a mass
You need a second opinionbefore surgery, chemotherapy or radiation
At home only supportive care is offeredand you want to learn about other options
The disease has come back after treatmenta new treatment plan is needed
Barrett's esophagus has been foundwith cell changes needing monitoring or treatment
Not sure what treatment is possible in your situation? Send us your test results - an oncologist from a German clinic will review them before your trip.
The best doctors for treatment of esophageal cancer in Germany
1 / 4
Edris Wedi
Gastroenterologist, oncologist
Experience: over 15 years
Experience and achievements
Doctor of Medicine.
Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Interventional Endoscopy at the Sana Offenbach Clinic.
Specialization:
Interventional endoscopy;
gastrointestinal oncology;
general gastroenterology;
internal medicine.
Education and experience:
2001-2008 Study of medicine at the Georg-August University, University of Göttingen;
2009-2012 Resident physician at the St. Bernwards Clinic, Hildesheim;
2013-2015 Senior physician at the University Hospital of Strasbourg, France;
2016-2020 Senior physician at the University Hospital of Göttingen;
since 2020 Head of Department at Klinik Sana Offenbach.
Membership in international organizations:
German Society for Gastroenterology and Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS), Head of the Endoscopy Section;
Head of the German Society for Endoscopy and Diagnosis (DGEBV);
Head of the North German Society of Gastroenterology.
1977 to 1988 – Education at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, internship in the department of St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul, USA.
1985 – Defense of his doctoral thesis in the field of medical sciences;
1985 – Passed the American ECFMG examination in preclinical and clinical disciplines in Bonn;
1988 – Recipient of a fellowship from the German Research Foundation, Research Fellow at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, USA;
Since 1992 – Specialization in Internal Medicine;
1993-2000 – Worked as a senior physician at the Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf;
2000-2008 – Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Krefeld City Hospital;
Since 2008 – Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Helios Klinikum Krefeld;
Since 2013 – Medical Director of the Helios Klinikum Krefeld.
Scientific activities:
Authorship of 146 scientific publications, 129 articles in periodicals, 78 monographs/teaching/reference materials.
Conducting 498 lectures, participating in 170 specialized congresses and supervising 20 PhD students.
Membership in international medical organizations:
German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS);
Member of the board of the German Gastro League Society;
Chairman of the Association of Senior Physicians of Gastroenterology Clinics;
Founder of the Foundation for Neurogastroenterology.
Expert in internal medicine with specialization in gastroenterology, oncology and diabetology:
He specializes in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including treatment of malignancies in the esophagus, stomach, intestine, pancreas and liver.
Provides emergency care for patients with hepatic colic, acute pancreatitis and appendicitis.
Provides conservative management of gastroenterological diseases, including patients with diabetes mellitus.
Education and experience:
1990 – Medical University of Bochum.
1991-1998. – Postgraduate studies and clinical residency at the University Hospital of Bochum.
1991-1998. – Resident physician.
1998-2001. – Senior physician of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Solingen Clinic.
2000-2003. – Defense of candidate and doctoral theses, obtaining a professorship.
Since 2003 up to the present time – Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at the Academic Clinic Solingen.
He actively participates in scientific conferences, publishes articles in journals and teaches at the Medical University.
He is a member of professional and scientific societies including the German Association of Gastroenterologists, the European Society of Gastroenterologists and the German Society of Dieticians.
Treatment programs for esophageal cancer in Germany
Chemotherapy for esophageal cancer
Hospitalization
3 days
Duration of stay in Germany
depending on the chemo protocol, multiple courses of chemotherapy may be required
Day 1Meeting at the airport, examination, consultation
Day 3Discharge from the hospital and accommodation in a hotel
Day 5Control examination
Day 6Transfer to the airport
Surgery to remove esophageal cancer
Hospitalization
1 day
Duration of stay in Germany
6 days
1 dayMeeting at the airport, examination, consultation
2 daySurgery, hospitalization
3 dayDischarge from the hospital and accommodation in a hotel
5 dayControl consultation
6 dayTransfer to the airport
Radiation therapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer
Hospitalization
Outpatient
Duration of stay in Germany
11-30 days
1 dayMeeting at the airport, examination, consultation
days 2-10/29Irradiation, daily (except weekends)
11-30 dayTransfer to the airport
What we arrange during your trip
Transfer from / to the airportVisa assistancePersonal assistantWi-Fi InternetReservation of accommodation and airline ticketsTranslatorAccommodation for accompanying personSingle room
Best clinics for treatment of esophageal cancer in Germany
Sana Hospital Group is one of the largest private healthcare networks in Germany, uniting 56 clinics and more than 35 medical centers, serving more than 2 million patients annually. The company specializes in orthopedics, cardiac surgery, oncology, and laboratory diagnostics, as well as provides services in other areas of medicine. Sana owns university hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and is a reliable partner for hundreds of other clinics in Germany. The Group actively introduces innovative technologies, cooperates with the government and international experts, which ensures its leadership in the European healthcare sector.
International Organization for Standardization ISO
Initiative Qualitats Medizin
DKG
DDG
Helios Krefeld Clinic is one of Germany's leading multidisciplinary medical centers specializing in oncology, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery and bone marrow transplantation. The medical center is an academic hospital of Aachen University and is part of the Helios Hospital Group network. Doctors of the clinic actively implement innovative methods, including laparoscopic surgeries and non-surgical treatment of prostate adenoma. The oncology center is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) and demonstrates high success rates.
Academic Hospital Solingen is one of Germany’s largest multidisciplinary university hospitals, located in the city of Solingen. The hospital serves as an academic teaching facility affiliated with the University of Cologne, combining advanced clinical care with medical research and physician training. With more than 700 beds, the hospital includes over 15 specialized departments and centers covering the major fields of medicine. It is particularly recognized for its expertise in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, traumatology, neurosurgery, and general surgery. Every year, tens of thousands of patients from Germany and abroad receive treatment here, benefiting from high-quality medical care, modern technology, and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Upper endoscopy report with a description of the tumor
Biopsy histology report
CT or PET-CT of the chest and abdomen
Reports on previous treatment: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
Recent blood tests and information about how you currently feel
Missing some documents? That is fine: the coordinator will tell you which tests are needed.
Get a free doctor's review
We will contact you within 15 minutes
Treatment cost
The clinic gives the exact price after reviewing your test results. We send you programs from several clinics so you can compare prices and what is included. Experts Medical services are free for patients, and you pay the clinic directly.
What the price depends on
Treatment method: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination
Number of chemotherapy courses: depends on the protocol, sometimes several courses are needed
Length of radiation therapy: outpatient treatment, a stay in Germany of 11-30 days
Clinic and additional tests: the level of the center and the tests done on site
You don’t pay for the services of Experts Medical
as we are representatives of more than 100 foreign clinics
You get treatment without extra fees
You make all payments only at the clinic upon arrival
Esophageal cancer: treatment in Germany and its peculiarities
What you need to know about esophageal cancer treatment in Germany
“A complex disease with an unfavorable prognosis” – this is how many oncologists characterize esophageal cancer. Treatment in Germany significantly increases the chances of patients with this type of cancer for a full recovery in the early stages. It also gives hope for a long remission with a good quality of life in advanced cases.
The following factors ensure this result of therapy:
Treatment of esophageal cancer in Germany is performed in specialized departments of large medical centers, such as the University Hospital Essen.
They are regularly certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) and are well equipped to treat patients with cancer.
The doctors who treat esophageal cancer are very highly qualified and experienced. Many of them are members of national and international specialty societies, professors at university clinics and leading specialists in this field of medicine.
Surgeons, oncologists and radiologists combine standard therapies, which are part of international protocols, with innovative techniques. Some of them are available only when treating esophageal cancer in Germany.
After the main treatment, patients are rehabilitated. Its goal is to ensure a satisfactory quality of life at any stage of the disease.
Oncology centers in Germany accept complex patients who were denied treatment for esophageal cancer at their place of residence due to the neglect of the case. Therefore, in their reviews of esophageal cancer treatment in Germany, patients from Eastern Europe and Central Asia emphasize that German clinics are their last chance and hope. At the same time, they note that the prices for esophageal cancer treatment in Germany are less than in the USA, about the same as in Israel and more than in Turkey.
Key information about esophageal cancer
Why does a person need an esophagus?
It is an organ of the digestive system – a hollow muscular tube, 23-25 centimeters long, which carries food from the mouth and pharynx to the stomach. The passage of food is provided by contractions (peristalsis) of the esophageal muscles and two sphincters. When the latter does not work well, acid reflux occurs – throwing stomach acid from the stomach. This causes heartburn and, over time, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This pathology often leads to changes in the mucous membrane cells in the lower third of the organ. This pathology is called Barrett’s esophagus and is considered a precancerous condition. If it is treated in time, esophageal cancer can be prevented. Treatment in Germany with an outpatient endoscopic procedure can be arranged with Experts Medical, for example, at the Charité Clinic.
Interesting facts about esophageal cancer
The following information gives an idea about this oncology:
this cancer is quite rare and accounts for 1% of all cancer diagnoses;
men get the disease 3-4 times more often than women;
there are two types of cancer: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma;
adenocarcinoma develops from mucus-producing cells in the lower part of the organ against the background of GERD and Barrett’s esophagus;
squamous cell carcinoma develops in the upper and middle part of the organ in people who abuse alcohol and smoking;
in the early stages of this cancer there are no symptoms;
In later stages, dysphagia – swallowing disorders, vomiting, nausea, and chest pain – may occur as the esophagus narrows due to tumor growth;
there is no screening for this type of cancer yet, so it is more often diagnosed when the tumor has already spread outside the organ.
Unique opportunities for patients in German clinics
Germany is constantly conducting clinical trials of new treatments for esophageal cancer. Several studies are investigating the use of chemoradiation therapy in combination with immunotherapy and targeted therapy to improve survival without surgery. Proton therapy is also being investigated in Germany as a non-surgical treatment for esophageal cancer.
These treatments are available to international patients. For pricing on innovative esophageal cancer treatments in Germany, contact an Experts Medical coordinating physician by leaving a request online.
What is the prognosis when this cancer is treated abroad?
The 5-year survival rate for people with cancer that has not spread beyond the organ is 48%. This rate in patients with a malignant tumor that has spread to surrounding tissues and/or neighboring lymph nodes is 26%. If the cancer has metastasized to other body areas, the 5-year survival rate is about 6%. The overall 10-year survival rate for all stages is 21%.
Why is esophageal cancer better treated in Germany?
German experts believe that every cancer case is unique. Esophageal cancer is no exception. Treatment in Germany involves an individual approach to each patient – the development and implementation of a personalized treatment protocol. As a rule, it includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This constantly improves the prognosis of the disease, even at advanced stages. Therefore, often the 5-year survival rate of a patient with advanced cancer is greater than the statistical average. Residents of different countries confirm this in their reviews of esophageal cancer treatment in Germany.
What kind of examination is performed in German oncology centers?
Germany uses diagnostic methods that are included in the latest international protocols. The diagnostic plan combines several types of examinations.
Endoscopy with biopsy
Endoscopic examination remains the main diagnostic method. The doctor examines the inside of the esophagus using a latest-generation digital endoscope. If altered areas, formations or “growths” are detected, the doctor performs a biopsy – taking pieces of tissue for examination. During endoscopic ultrasound (EUSI), he determines the degree of tumor sprouting into the wall of the esophagus, adjacent lymph nodes and organs. He can also perform a puncture biopsy of a suspicious lymph node.
In addition, patients undergo an innovative liquid biopsy – blood analysis to detect circulating malignant cells and their fragments.
Visual examinations of the primary tumor and metastases
The plan for further examination of patients usually includes:
esophageal radiography with barium;
Multispiral CT and/or MRI with a contrast of the neck, thorax and abdomen;
ultrasound of the neck and liver;
PET-CT (positron emission computed tomography) – a hybrid technology that provides molecular visualization of all metastases in the body.
All examinations in German clinics are performed on the latest generation machines, so doctors accurately determine the stage of the disease – the prevalence of cancer in the body.
Studies of malignant cells: oncomarkers and mutations
When treating esophageal cancer in Germany with the help of laboratory studies, doctors-morphologists determine:
the histological type of cancer (what cells the tumor consists of);
the degree of malignancy of these cells;
the depth of invasion (sprouting) of cells (only in the mucosa, submucosa, or deeper);
presence or absence of oncomarkers – proteins that are produced by malignant cells in a given cancer, e.g. PD-L1, TPS;
genetic mutations in the tumor cells HER-2 and MSI (in adenocarcinoma).
The last two tests are needed to prescribe targeted and immunotherapy.
How is esophageal cancer treated in Germany?
An example of how esophageal cancer is treated in Germany is treating this disease at the Center for Visceral Oncology at the Klinikum Helios in Leipzig.
Interdisciplinary oncology consilium for each patient
Each cancer case is discussed by a consilium involving many specialists who diagnose and treat this cancer disease. The team of doctors includes:
An endoscopist;
a gastroenterologist;
a visceral surgeon;
radiation therapist;
chemotherapist;
pathohistologist;
nutritionist.
The doctor’s “collective mind” evaluates the patient’s general condition, all the tumor’s characteristics. After an exchange of opinions, doctors select the most effective treatment option, corresponding to the stage of the disease and the degree of risk of metastasis. As in other types of cancer, in most cases, multimodality therapy is used, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, targeting and immunotherapy in different sequences.
Endoscopic treatment in the early stages
If the tumor is small and cancer cells are found in the mucosa and submucosal layer, its removal (surgical excision or radiofrequency ablation) is performed using an endoscope. This type of treatment allows preserving the esophagus, but it is used mainly in precancerous conditions and only at the earliest stages.
Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer
The surgical treatment of this cancer is very complex due to the location of the organ in two body cavities. To remove the tumor with part of the esophagus, the surgeon often operates in both the abdominal and thoracic cavities at the same time. To minimize complications, German doctors perform two-cavity surgeries as minimally invasive interventions. Surgeons resect the tumor using thoracoscopy and laparoscopy through small incisions. If a large fragment of the esophagus is removed, the surgeon may “tighten” the stomach and form a tube from it, or use part of the small intestine to reconstruct the organ.
Postoperative specialized care and feeding of the patient is provided by highly qualified medical staff. In their reviews of esophageal cancer treatment in Germany, patients note that the professionalism and friendliness of nurses helped them to recover quickly after surgery.
Effective chemoradiation treatment instead of surgery
Combined chemoradiation treatment includes the use of the latest generation of chemopreparations and advanced techniques of tumor irradiation. It is prescribed to shrink tumors before surgery, to prevent recurrence and to improve survival after surgery.
This effective treatment is also successfully used in patients who have contraindications to radical surgery and stage IV cancer.
Targeted and immunotherapy for esophageal cancer
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy play an important role in the treatment of this type of cancer. For example, one of the targeting drugs related to monoclonal antibodies is used as a first-line treatment for adenocarcinoma with HER-2 mutation.
A PD-L1 protein inhibitor is being used as a highly effective immunotherapy drug in patients with PD-L1-positive or advanced squamous cell cancer. These and other novel targeted and immunotherapy drugs significantly improve prognosis and survival.
Specialized care for patients with dysphagia
The clinic has a separate multidisciplinary team of specialists to help patients with dysphagia. Patients with narrowing of the esophagus have a stent placed, which immediately improves their condition. If the situation permits, gentle radiation treatment, most often brachytherapy, is performed. Patients are fed through a tube and parenteral (intravenous) nutrition if necessary. This provides an opportunity to improve nutritional status (nutritional status) and carry out essential treatment.
Esophageal cancer treatment in Germany by stage and proton therapy
The best esophageal cancer treatment in Germany is the one a tumor board chooses for your stage and tumor type. The board includes a surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist and a gastroenterologist.
Stage 2 esophageal cancer treatment in Germany usually combines chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy before surgery with removal of the affected part of the esophagus.
Stage 3 esophageal cancer treatment in Germany follows the same principle. If surgery is not possible, chemoradiotherapy can be the main treatment.
For stage 4 esophageal cancer, treatment in Germany focuses on drug therapy and on making swallowing easier. The choice of drugs depends on tumor tests, for example for HER2 and PD-L1.
Proton therapy for esophageal cancer in Germany is used in selected cases. Protons can lower the radiation dose to the heart and lungs. Whether this method suits you is decided by the radiation oncologist after reviewing your scans.
Esophageal carcinoma. Treatment in Germany. Patient reviews
Read reviews of esophageal cancer treatment in Germany on the website and with the help of Experts Medical’s coordinating physicians. Most patients in their reviews note that during esophageal cancer treatment in Germany, they received such medical care, attention and care that they had no doubts about the excellent result. Most often we are talking about clinics Nordwestand Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg in Berlin.
Esophageal cancer. Treatment in Germany. Patient reviews
Prices for medical services that a patient receives during treatment of esophageal cancer in Germany correspond to the complexity of therapy of this oncology. The following examples will help to understand the level of prices that a patient wishing to undergo esophageal cancer treatment in Germany will have to deal with:
endoscopy with biopsy – from €1500;
PET-CT – from €5000;
surgery – from € 20000;
chemotherapy – from €3000;
radiation therapy from €8000;
Targeted therapy or immunotherapy – from €6000.
You can check the cost of medical services in different cancer centers with the coordinating doctor of Experts Medical.
How to undergo esophageal cancer treatment in a German oncology clinic?
To do this, you need to leave a request on the website to the Experts Medical coordinating physicians for free consultation on this issue. The service expert will select a specialized oncology center with everything you need to treat esophageal cancer successfully. Treatment in Germany with the support of Experts Medical will be organized at a high level and in the shortest possible time.
My partner was in the university hospital in Cologne in May-June ’23 (esophageal cancer). The operation and everything related to it went well. Unfortunately, there was a problem during the operation (hole in the esophagus) and we were told that he was eating the wrong things. He only ate and drank what he was given at the hospital (buffet). Total disaster on the ward, no information about the current course of the disease!
15/11/2023
Marcus Moeksis
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: esophageal cancer
I was at the Sanaa Clinic for esophageal cancer. This was advised by a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me endoscopically. I stayed there for 7 days and can only report positive things. Dr. Vedi and his entire team of doctors were always very friendly and professional, always answering my questions in a language that was understandable to an ordinary person who does not understand medicine. I felt like I was well taken care of. The medical staff was also very nice, friendly and always ready to help. As for the procedure, I can only recommend Dr. Wedi and his team to anyone with a similar diagnosis. As for some of the negative reviews about the clinic in general, I cannot understand them. Of course, everything does not always go according to the patient’s wishes and some things are difficult for an outsider to understand, but you are not in a health hotel. Despite all the pressure the medical staff is under, they deserve 10 stars.
That’s all. Again, thank you very much.
02/05/2023
Segen
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: Barrett's esophagus
When my mom was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, we were very scared. Our doctors could not accurately determine the condition of the esophagus, they were afraid of cancer and said that surgery was necessary. Our friends advised us to contact a company that organizes trips for treatment abroad. Thanks to them we got to the Gastroenterology Center in Munich. The specialists there looked at everything and said that we could do radiofrequency ablation of the esophagus endoscopically. It turned out to be a fairly easy procedure for patients, done quickly and virtually painless. They destroyed the suspicious cells in the esophagus with radio waves. And that was it! Now my mom’s heartburn has disappeared altogether, there is no constant pain as before. And she doesn’t need a strict diet now. Thank you very much for helping my mom to solve such a serious problem!
19/04/2021
Rüdiger Schön (avm)
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: diagnosis of esophageal cancer
This morning at 8 am I had an endoscopic examination of my esophagus at Asklepios Clinic, which was successfully completed at 8:40 am and I was released shortly after. Friendly professionals at work. Thank you very much!
Valeria
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: esophageal cancer with metastases to the lungs and liver
I would like to write a positive review on behalf of my husband, who was treated at the Solingen City Clinic. We returned home a few weeks ago happy and healthy. My husband’s treatment took about 6 weeks; during this time we went from fear and distrust to great joy and gratitude. In Minsk, doctors in our country only spread their hands and could not offer anything with the diagnosis of esophageal cancer with metastases to the lungs and liver. In Solingen we underwent radiation therapy, daily we were accompanied by staff from the international department, and there was no fear and anxiety due to the high level of medical care. Thank you again to the doctor and the clinic staff!
Frequently asked questions
Can esophageal cancer be treated without surgery?
At the very earliest stages, a small tumor can sometimes be removed endoscopically, without incisions. In other cases chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used - separately, together or before surgery. Which approach is possible is decided by the tumor board after reviewing your test results.
How long is the trip for chemotherapy?
Under the clinics' programs, the hospital stay for a course of chemotherapy is about 3 days. The total length of stay depends on the protocol, as several courses are sometimes needed. The coordinator will confirm the schedule with the clinic.
How long does radiation therapy in Germany take?
Radiation is given on an outpatient basis, every day except weekends. Under the clinics' programs, the stay in Germany is 11-30 days depending on the prescribed course.
Will I have to repeat all my tests?
The clinic often does some tests on site to confirm the stage and draw up a plan. Which tests do not need to be repeated is decided by the doctor after reviewing your documents.
How much does treatment of esophageal cancer in Germany cost?
The price depends on the method, the number of courses and the clinic. After reviewing your test results, we request programs from several clinics so you can compare prices. Experts Medical services are free for patients.
Can someone travel with me?
Yes, a relative can travel with you. The coordinator will help you arrange the trip, accommodation and transfers for two.
The information on this page is for reference only and is not medical advice. The treatment method is chosen by a specialist after reviewing the patient's medical situation.
Thank you for your inquiry!
The doctor-coordinator will contact you shortly.
You can also reach out to us right now using the most convenient channel for you:
The information on the epxerts-medical.com website is provided for informational purposes only, is not a guide to action and should not be construed as a medical consultation or recommendations for treatment from the experts-medical.com site. All decisions on the choice of treatment methods and medical care should be made only by a specialised doctor after examining the patient’s medical situation.
