Esophageal cancer is treated through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. Recently developed treatment modalities, such as photodynamic therapy, may also be used for adjuvant or palliative therapy.
Palliative therapies are aimed at relieving symptoms and giving patients the chance to have a good quality of life. This despite that cancer have undertaken patients with a poor prognosis.
Esophageal cancer treatments are related to various side effects and complications. These adverse effects could be quite uncomfortable; therefore, every patient should try to get as much information about the disease and how it will affect his or her life. The cancer care team should be able to provide important information about esophageal cancer and its management. Such information would include the following:
1. The type (pathology diagnosis) of esophageal cancer diagnosed
2. The extent of the cancer, especially if it has already spread outside the primary site
3. The stage of the cancer and what it means in practical terms
4. The prognosis or outlook for survival
5. The available treatment options
6. The possible risks and side effects of treatment options
7. The recommended treatment and the reason for such recommendation
8. The chances for recurrence
9. The necessary preparations, if any, for treatment
Patients should obtain as much information as needed for a good understanding of the malignancy and a full understand the treatments and consequence related to them.
Patients with esophageal cancer are also often advised to get a second opinion. Sometimes a second opinion is used only for making the patient feel confident when approaching the chosen treatment option, knowing they have exhausted all possible conduits for information about their disease.
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Reviewed by:
Jiade J. Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology)
Medical Director
The Cancer Information Network
Date Modified: 05/31/04
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