Esophageal cancer, Oncology FAQ

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Managing Esophageal Stricture and Motility Issues After Cancer Treatment

Esophageal sclerosis and impaired peristalsis? Hello Dr. Chen: My father is 72 years old and was diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer two years ago. He underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and has not had surgery. Currently, both CT scans and PET sca...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Tina / 42 years old / Female 1. Besides medications that aid peristalsis and the esophageal stent (which the physician does not recommend for your father), are there any other suggested treatment options? A: 1.1 It is uncertain whether esophageal balloon dilation would be benef...

[Read More] Managing Esophageal Stricture and Motility Issues After Cancer Treatment


Understanding SCC Index in Health Checkups: What You Need to Know

SCC index in the medical examination report? Hello Doctor, this year my menstrual cycle has been irregular for several months, with some delays. I underwent a basic visual pelvic examination, and the doctor indicated that there were no abnormalities. During the health check, addi...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: SCC is the tumor marker for squamous cell carcinoma, primarily used for monitoring head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, certain types of lung cancer, and cervical cancer. However, its correlation with actual cancer diagnosis is not absolutely accurate. You can consult...

[Read More] Understanding SCC Index in Health Checkups: What You Need to Know


Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Consume Rice Wine After Five Years?

After undergoing surgery for stage I breast cancer, is it permissible to consume three teaspoons of rice wine daily five years later? After undergoing surgery for stage I breast cancer, is it permissible to consume three teaspoons of rice wine on a daily basis five years later?


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I cannot provide an answer regarding your breast cancer-related hormonal receptor status as it has not been disclosed. However, regardless of whether you have breast cancer or not, daily alcohol consumption is detrimental. It may increase the risk of liver cirrhosis, head ...

[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Consume Rice Wine After Five Years?


Duodenal Perforation After 5FU Chemotherapy: What to Expect Next

The chemotherapy process using 5-FU resulted in a duodenal perforation? Hello Doctor, my father recently started treatment for esophageal cancer with 5-FU chemotherapy. However, on the fourth day of treatment, he experienced a duodenal perforation and underwent emergency surgery....


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the question of whether to continue using 5-FU, you should consult the physician who prescribed this chemotherapy medication. Thank you.

[Read More] Duodenal Perforation After 5FU Chemotherapy: What to Expect Next


Can Frequent Vomiting Lead to Esophageal Cancer? Understanding Risks and Prevention

Is it possible to develop esophageal cancer from frequent vomiting or self-induced vomiting? Hello Doctor, my family has a history of cancer genes. Due to my own obesity and external stress, I sometimes engage in binge eating followed by purging. Additionally, because of work-rel...


Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I apologize for the late response. In short: Yes, repeated vomiting can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, which indeed increases the risk of esophageal cancer. This is true. You can eat until you are full, but avoid inducing vomiting or continuous vomiting. The esophagus, w...

[Read More] Can Frequent Vomiting Lead to Esophageal Cancer? Understanding Risks and Prevention


Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer with Metastasis: Key Considerations

Stage IV esophageal cancer with metastasis to other sites? Hello, Doctor! At the beginning of July, my father (56 years old) suddenly experienced weakness in his left leg. After examination at the hospital, it was found that there were 3-4 tumors of varying sizes in his brain. Fu...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Thank you for your letter. Here are the responses to your inquiries in order: 1. Currently, nutrition is being administered primarily via a nasogastric tube. Oral intake should be avoided to prevent aspiration pneumonia due to potential esophageal obstruction from ...

[Read More] Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer with Metastasis: Key Considerations


Preparing for Esophageal Cancer Surgery: Essential Tips and Nutrition

Preoperative Preparation for Esophageal Cancer Surgery Hello Doctor, my father-in-law (78) underwent a CT and PET scan two days ago, which revealed a 7 cm tumor in the middle to lower esophagus, with spread to nearby lymph nodes. After consultation, a professor has agreed to perf...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Liang / 27 years old / Female. What else can I do besides drinking high-protein nutritional drinks? A: Companionship is the most important thing. Maintaining weight or even gaining weight is fine; after surgery, you will naturally lose weight. Thank you for your inquiry. Taoy...

[Read More] Preparing for Esophageal Cancer Surgery: Essential Tips and Nutrition


Understanding Esophageal Hardening After Cancer Treatment: What to Expect

Esophageal rigidity? Hello, Doctor. My father, who has stage III esophageal cancer, underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Three years later, he is experiencing difficulty swallowing again. After a follow-up visit and an endoscopy, it was found that his esophagus has becom...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Tinglee828, Thank you for your letter. In response to your concerns about your father's esophagus becoming more rigid after chemotherapy, I personally believe that since it has been three years since the treatment, the tissue should be relatively stable, and the c...

[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Hardening After Cancer Treatment: What to Expect


Can Esophageal Tumors Fluctuate in Size Before Treatment?

Tumor issues Hello, doctor: Is it possible for a malignant tumor in the esophagus to fluctuate in size before any treatment is administered? For example, during an endoscopy, could it appear larger if there is inflammation present? Thank you.


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Ms. Chen: Has the esophageal malignancy you mentioned been confirmed by a pathological biopsy? Am I interpreting your question correctly as asking whether "during endoscopy, esophagitis can present with fluctuating severity, with swallowing symptoms improving and worsening i...

[Read More] Can Esophageal Tumors Fluctuate in Size Before Treatment?


Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates

Esophageal cancer Hello Doctor: My father has been diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer, which has spread to the lungs. He is currently undergoing stenting and gastroesophageal procedures. Despite receiving antibiotic injections, he has been experiencing recurrent high fever...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss, I have carefully read your letter regarding your father's condition. You mentioned that he has stage IV esophageal cancer with lung involvement. The "infection" you described likely refers to either metastasis or a bacterial infection in the lungs. Give...

[Read More] Managing Stage IV Esophageal Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates


Managing Esophageal Tumor Treatment: Balancing Chemotherapy and Radiation

Esophageal tumor treatment Hello Doctor, my family member has esophageal cancer and has started undergoing out-of-pocket chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They have completed two cycles of chemotherapy and eight sessions of radiation therapy, but their throat has started to fee...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Family Member, The side effects of electrotherapy can vary depending on the condition. It is recommended that you discuss the continuation of treatment with your physician. You can also talk to your doctor about prescribing medication to alleviate pain from the side effects...

[Read More] Managing Esophageal Tumor Treatment: Balancing Chemotherapy and Radiation


Understanding Esophageal Cancer: Survival Rates and Treatment Options

Esophageal tumor Hello, doctor. My father has been diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer, and the tumor has grown into the bronchus, making surgery impossible. The doctor has suggested paying out of pocket for injections and radiation therapy. Given my father's current ...


Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Amy: Treatment for esophageal cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can improve survival rates. It is important to assess the extent of your father's tumor invasion, as radiation therapy may be beneficial. If possible, please bring your father's me...

[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Cancer: Survival Rates and Treatment Options


Understanding Esophageal Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Prognosis

Esophageal tumor Hello, doctor. My father has recently been diagnosed with an esophageal tumor, and the thoracic surgeon informed us that the biopsy results indicate it is malignant. He underwent a full-body CT scan and endoscopy yesterday. I would like to ask about my father...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Cindy, if you are confirmed to have esophageal cancer, please discuss treatment options, success rates, side effects, etc., with your physician. A. Is this condition very serious? Weight loss and inability to eat can lead to rapid weakness, so you might consider receiving I...

[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Prognosis


Understanding Stage II Esophageal Cancer: Surgery, Recovery, and Follow-Up Care

Stage II Esophageal Cancer Hello Dr. Chen: My father was hospitalized on July 22 for in-depth examinations and was diagnosed with stage II esophageal cancer without metastasis to other areas. The doctor has recommended surgical treatment. I would like to ask: 1. What is the progn...


Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Thank you for your question. After complete resection of stage II esophageal cancer, if it is squamous cell carcinoma, no further treatment is typically required, and only follow-up is necessary. Dietary recommendations may include yellow and green vegetables.

[Read More] Understanding Stage II Esophageal Cancer: Surgery, Recovery, and Follow-Up Care


Effective Treatment Options for Esophageal and Lymphoma Cancer

How should esophageal cancer and lymphoma be treated? Hello! My father underwent oral cancer cell resection surgery in April this year. In July, it was discovered that the cancer cells had spread to the lymph nodes and esophagus. What type of treatment would be most suitable for ...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. I cannot provide a definitive answer without knowing your father's age and overall health status. 2. The preferred treatment should be surgery combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. 3. The survival rate must be inferred based on the actual extent of spre...

[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Esophageal and Lymphoma Cancer


Essential Care Tips for Esophageal Cancer Patients and Nutrition Support

Issues Related to Esophageal Cancer Patients My father is an esophageal cancer patient, and he has experienced significant weight loss due to chemotherapy. I would like to inquire about the following matters: 1. Precautions for tracheostomy tubes 2. Precautions for gastrostomy tu...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Precautions for tracheostomy tubes: Regular disinfection, periodic replacement to avoid infection and dislodgment. 2. Precautions for gastrostomy tubes: Ensure proper fixation to prevent pulling and dislodgment. Before feeding, flush with a small amount of water to p...

[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Esophageal Cancer Patients and Nutrition Support


Managing Esophageal Cancer in Elderly Patients: Treatment and Nutrition Tips

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. There are two main My grandmother is 71 years old and has diabetes. She regularly sees a doctor and has just been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. ...


Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: Treatment options: 1. Radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy and then surgery 2. Direct surgery 3. Only radiation therapy and chemotherapy 4. Only oral chemotherapy medications. A thorough assessment of the patient's physical condition is necessary to determine th...

[Read More] Managing Esophageal Cancer in Elderly Patients: Treatment and Nutrition Tips