What should be expected after treatment?
Follow-up care is important in the treatment of esophageal cancer. This means regular visits with the cancer care team, which will determine the tests that have to be done and their frequency.
Patients should take note of any new symptoms that may appear, and report these to their doctors immediately. These symptoms may include chest pain and dysphagia. Letting doctors know of these symptoms as they appear could lead to early treatment. This, in turn, could possibly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Side effects are also of concern, as these may last from several months to some years. For patients, being alert to these side effects and letting doctors know about them could help in the recovery process
A general physical exam is a normal part of follow-up care. Follow-up tests may include x-ray, barium swallows, and CT scans or other imaging tests. Doctors may recommend an endoscopy to look for the possibility of a new tumor, recurrence of an existing one, or metastasis.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle should help patients who have undergone treatment for esophageal cancer.
Quitting smoking could lead to improved appetite and overall health. It may also reduce the risk of developing a new cancer. Patients should also maintain a diet high in wholegrain foods, vegetables, and fruit.
Weight loss and weakness are common problems for esophageal cancer patients. This happens because this type of cancer causes dysphagia. Doctors and nutritionists can recommend nutritional supplements to help patients maintain their natural weight.
Pain is another major concern. A patient’s cancer care team can be of tremendous help in finding ways to control pain and help a patient maintain his or her weight.
How a patient will react to treatment is as individual as the person being treated. No-one can say how a person will respond. Personal strengths may have some bearing on an individual’s recovery. These include, but are not limited to, the patient’s general state of health and fitness, a deep faith, and a strong support system from family and friends.
Professionals in health care, social services, and spiritual life can provide assistance for patients trying to cope with the disease.
The diagnosis of cancer presents a major life challenge to every patient. Cancer affects not just the patient, but family and friends as well. Patients must try as much as possible to maintain a good quality of life, which means attending to various personal needs, be they emotional, psychological, or spiritual. Joining a support group is a good way of coming to terms with the disease and the effects of treatment.
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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: 06/10/04
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