Esophageal Cancer

Question: What are the stages of advanced esophageal cancer? My grandpa has just been diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer...I was wondering,what are the stages and explain what happens to the body and can they be cured or helped? Btw,Idk what stage he has. The doctor does not know yet he only explained it was advanced.

Answer: My father was diagnosed at the beginning of January (this year, 2009) with Esophageal Cancer. He is stage 4-the last stage. They discovered his cancer when he could no longer swallow, and he had lost over 20 pounds. His cancer had already spread to the shoulders, hips, and liver when it was discoverd. He had been on reflux medicine for over 20 years, was not a drinker, and smoked for a couple years as a teenager. As of yesterday he has been given 3 weeks to live because the cancer is spreading so rapidly and has multiplied all over his liver, causing the liver not to function. He is still in the hospital as they are trying to get his heartrate back to normal (for an unknown reason it is really high, his heart is otherwise very strong). The oncologist said he will start sleeping more and more as the liver shuts down, and thats how he will go. Its a very aggressive cancer and unfortunately if its already in an advanced stage, prepare yourself for the worst. I never imagined that my dad would have such a short fight. He started his chemo 2/2/09 and now has 3 weeks left to live. I think it depends in your case if the cancer has already spread to other organs, if it hasn't then you have a much better chance at fighting it. I wish your family the best, I know too well what someone with esophageal cancer has to go through and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Question: What are the final stages of life with esophageal cancer? My father-in-law was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2006. After a 2-year fight and undergoing chemo and radiation treatments, we are afraid we have come to the end of the road. We have been told a number of things about how long he has, however, we have not been told what to espect when the end is near. Anyone have some insight into our preparation, or what we should expect?

Answer: My first piece of advice to you is spend as much time with him as possible. Tell him often that you are all there for him, and if he is uncomfortable talking about his condition, let it go. He needs to get it straight in his mind before he can talk about it. The best time to consider hospice care is when you can see that the doctors and hospitals really cannot do anything for him. As long as he is still aware and can make his own decisions, it is important for him to say it is time for hospice. You should also have him appoint someone as his health care proxy agent in case he is unable to make decisions. Someone who knows what he would want in certain situations. It is very hard to know "end of life" symptoms, except, they basically stop eating and drinking. They sleep all the time and are very hard to wake up. When they are awake, they are somewhat withdrawn, or they get a burst of sudden energy and talk a lot. And at the very end, the breathing gets quite irregular. I know this is a lot to think about, and it is nothing pleasant to think about. My heart truly goes out to you. I honestly feel your pain. Your father-in-law, you and your whole family will be in my prayers. Try to stay strong, but do cry when you need to. God Bless.

Question: Why does a person with esophageal cancer have a feeding tube inserted into the duodenum instead of the stomach? A patient has esophageal cancer and must have a feeding tube inserted. The nurse tells the patient that the tube will be inserted surgically into the duodenum. The wife asks why the tube will not be inserted into the stomach. What should the nurse say?

Answer: Jared, There are two main types of esophageal cancer. The most common type of oesophageal cancer, known as adenocarcinoma, develops in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the oesophagus, near the opening of the stomach. It occurs in just over 50 percent of cases. Squamous cell carcinoma grows in the cells that form the top layer of the lining of the oesophagus, known as squamous cells. This type of cancer can grow anywhere along the esophagus. Oesophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the oesophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The oesophagus, located just behind the trachea, is about 10 to 13 inches in length and allows food to enter the stomach for digestion. The wall of the oesophagus is made up of several layers and cancers generally start from the inner layer and grow out. A flexible, narrow tube is inserted into some portion of the digestive tract and liquid formulas or liquefied foods are placed into the tube to meet the patient's nutritional needs. The feeding may be pumped into the tube or allowed to drip into the tube continuously or at scheduled feeding times. Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tubes (JEJ or PEJ tubes) are tubes that are put into a part of the small intestine called the jejunum. The jejunum is situated a little way after the stomach. The surgeon puts a tube through an opening in the abdomen and into the jejunum. PEJ tubes are put in using an endoscopy, like a PEG tube – (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy). This type of tube is particularly used for people who have stomach or oesophageal surgery. If the tube goes directly into the small intestine, feeds are usually given slowly all the time. There is usually a pump that controls the speed of the feed passing into the tube, rather than a drip-feed. If the feeding tube is inserted into the stomach, there has to be a period of “rest� to allow the stomach respite from working. Also, it depends on the location of the cancer in the oesophagus, which may influence the location of the jejunostomy tube. ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. - MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED. It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms. The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Hope this helps matador 89

Question: How painful is esophageal cancer? I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) recently. Right now, I am having a discomfort in my throat. It's not painful, but I feel as if something is wrong. I don't have any difficulty swallowing and not experiencing weight loss, though. In fact, I am gaining weight. I am also a hypochondriac and I am really worried if this is esophageal cancer, as I have read somewhere that people with GERD have a major risk of esophageal cancer. I'm 17, by the way. Help?

Answer: Yes -its true that GERD puts people at risk of this type of cancer, but it takes decades to develop. There's about a one-in-million chance of someone 17 years old getting esophageal cancer. You don't have any symptoms of cancer except where they overlap with GERD.

Question: What Stage Does This Sound Like For Esophageal Cancer? They believe my father may have esophageal cancer, but as of now the only symptom has been an acid reflux type sickness as of late. They told him there is a lesion inside his esophagus, and they did the biopsy so it's just a waiting game now. So I was hoping some people could help me in giving me a idea of what stage this could be. Please help me as much as you can. Thank you.

Answer: If it is cancer, it's probably pretty early. Does he have a history of reflux, or is this new? Having a history of acid reflux increases the risk of esophageal cancer, but it could also be an ulcer, or just an irritation. No panicking until the biopsy comes back, okay? :)

Question: How long does a person live with esophageal cancer that has spread to the breast (stage IV)? no treatment.? my mother in law was diagnosed a year ago with esophageal cancer. The doc say her esophagus is narrowing and the cancer is spreading to her breast . she is now a stage 1v it is stage 4. and she is unable to eat. the doctor says her esophagus is narrowing and the cancer is spreading to her breast. they have sent her home with a feeding tube (third world country).

Answer: Noone can tell you how long--noone knows for sure. The only person that can decide that is God. People beat statistics every day. I am stage 3B Breast Cancer and my tumor has shrunk big time. I have meant Stage IV breast, stomach, liver, and other numerous ones while undergoing my chemo and some of them have been on chemo for years. Don't go by statistics--statistics is a hidden word for CAN BE BEATEN. People beat it everyday. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Keep a positive attitude.

Question: Are there any good websites to find recipes for cooking for people with Esophageal Cancer? I need to find recipes for bland (non-acidic) soups and purees. Things that are not spicy and that are easy to swallow.

Answer: You know what? The best way to make people with esophageal cancer feel better and at the same time have enough energy to have their therapy done properly is to put them under enteral nutrition until they finished their treatment and have recovered their initial weight (before being sick)! You can find that on TONS of medical publications! I'm sure that you really wanted to help but WHEN YOU'RE FIGHTING THIS TYPE OF CANCER AND FACING A STRONG CHEMOTHERAPY, YOU MUST EAT ALMOST TWICE THE AMOUNT OF PROTEIN AND ENERGY THAT YOU SHOULD BE EATING NORMALLY! example: for a man of 70kg (154 lb witch is quite light for a man) you must give to him 700g (1.54 lb) of beef meat or 16 eggs or 22 yogurts per day every day!!!! Forget about your soup unless it's only for pleasure (but it'll full the stomach and make him feel like "I don't want to eat nothing more!") You have some ABBOTT or NESTLE or NUTRICIA clinical nutrition kind of yogurt or purees that are hyperproteinated (they taste great) and if you are SURE that he will take the right amount of proteins: use it (pharmacy only) but believe me it's almost impossible to make it in a normal way!

Question: What types of treatment are there for esophageal cancer? I mean other than Chemo and radiation.

Answer: Hi Nishi There are several ways to heal the body, its a matter of actually believing you can and doing it. DOesnt really matter what type of cancer it is. The body is toxic and you need to get the toxins out. The best herbal plan I know is called the Incurables program (herdoc.com). My uncle used this plan to heal his Lympoma within 60 days. Easy part is knowing what to do and actually doing it is a challenge. Educating yourself on detoxifying the body you will overcome any obstacle. Best of health to you

Question: My brother is having surgery tomorrow for esophageal cancer as well as a large hernia. How bad is this? Is it going to be much worse for him, with two surgeries at the same time? What are his chances, and how long is the recovery? We just don't know what to expect, and we are very worried.

Answer: That isn't an easy question to answer because surgery can completely remove a tumour in some cases, but in others it might be done only to provide relief (palliative). The fact that he is having the hernia done as well is a positive sign. The surgeon and oncologist should really have discussed with you what to expect. I suggest you ask these questions directly: 1) what pain relief (hopefully a PCA pump), what drains, catheters etc? 2) how long before he can eat by mouth? 3) how long they expect him to be in hospital? 4) what is the long-term prognosis? 5) has he been properly assessed (CT scan) to make sure the cancer has not spread?

Question: What are the chances of a 13 year old to get esophageal cancer? HECK, you think I'm smoking at this age? Wow, you've got to be kidding me! Just asking, I'm worried like hell.

Answer: Unless there were some other risk factors at play it would be unusual. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophageal_cancer#Causes_and_risk_factors

Question: esophageal cancer? my friend's mom died of esophageal cancer. she died 2 months after she was diagnosed. she wasnt a smoker/drinker. my friend said that there are more women in her family that had it. and her doctor told her it was highly hereditary i looked it up on the computer and found out that black ppl are more likely to get it than white people (her family is white) and men get it more than women (women in her family had it) and it said that it wasnt known if it was hereditary. she has an aunt on her DADs side that was just diagnosed with it yesterday. she is worried she will have it. any information i could share with her?

Answer: In the United States, cancer of the esophagus is primarily due to changes that are a result of reflux. Although esophagus cancer is comparitively rare, it is less rare in people with severe reflux. The person who mentioned above that they have "Barrett's esophagus" represents a small percentage of people with reflux who are at increased risk for cancer, however even in that situation, the risk of cancer is only about a percent. Less than 20,000 people a year in the US get diagnosed with esophageal cancer. There is no evidence to suggest that there is a hereditary factor in this type of cancer, and "Plummer-Vinson" (mentioned in another answer) is not a risk factor for cancer. This a condition of non-cancerous esophageal abnormalities and anemia. Ignore that comment. Esophageal cancer is terribly aggressive. Typically, by the time it is discovered, it is far too advanced to be cured. This is due, in part, to the rapid spread that can occur from the site of origin into a multitude of lymph nodes throughout the chest. This can occur even when the primary tumor is merely a microscopic change in the lining of the esophagus. In addition, the cancer usually has to be bulky in order to cause symptoms. So, it spreads early, but it calls attention to itself late. This disease isn't common enough to warrant screening everyone with endoscopy. Colon cancer is common enough that everyone after age 50 should undergo routine screening. Esophagus cancer is not. However, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is common, and among those people it is prudent to evaluate periodically with the flexible scope. The reason for this isn't primarily to rule out cancer, but instead to monitor for inflammation that may represent inadequate treatment. Once chronic changes such as Barrett's esophagus (which is an alteration to the type of tissue lining the esophagus) have been identified, then the use of routine screening endoscopy with random biopsies is certainly warranted. Even though esophagus cancer is rare, it is common enough in this subgroup that the benefits of screening and potential early detection of cancer outweigh the considerations of risk or cost. ... I hope that helps. You are welcome to contact me if you have specific questions.

Question: Esophageal Cancer- How long till the effects of radiation take affect? Hi, My relative Bob, has radiation scheduled for an inoperable tumor located in his esophagas and upper stomach/surrounding lymph nodes. I am wondering if anyone knows how long it takes for the good and or bad affects of radiation to be noticable? Anyone know anything about the side affects? Thanks in advance for any answers:)

Answer: research pau d arco tea www.pau-d-arco.com also essiac tea They also have pills. red clover is also good

Question: esophageal cancer? Should a 25 year old be worried at this age? esophageal cancer? Clean Barium x-ray 6 months ago still gerd problems, refulx Should I really worry about esophageal cancer, or would this take many more years to develope. Are the chances low that I dont have this?

Answer: If you're being treated for GERD and it's still not resolving, then you should go back to your physician. Though it's not likely esophageal cancer, you should get a scope, just to make sure it's GERD, and not a hiatal hernia, and ulcer, etc

Question: Why do people get esophageal cancer? My stomach is almost always irritated due to too much coffee drinking and stress and I get heartburn easily. I dont get hearburn everyday but I continously have issues with my stomach. Can I eventually get this type of cancer? p.s. I eat plenty of fruits,veggies,fiber and drink lots of water after the coffee.

Answer: Long term acid reflux is a strong risk factor for developing esophageal cancer. Cancer is caused by genetic damage to cells and then the cells get out of control becoming cancer cells. The damage to esophageal cells by acid over years damages the DNA making them change type, increasing the chance they will turn into cancer cells. you should try to minimise the amount of reflux you get. If you can link it to certain drinks and foods such as coffee, alcohol, spice, high fat etc you should cut down on these to reduce reflux. You should also consider taking regular antiacid medication. If over the counter tablets work for you to ease heart burn then take these. If these arent strong enough you should go to the doctor for some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and even have an H.pylori test and a course of antibiotics. H. Pylori is a stomach bug that increases the amount of acid in the stomach and can worsen reflux.

Question: Will an MRI of the neck detect esophageal cancer? I had an MRI of my neck done a few weeks ago and everything was normal. But, I've been having difficulty swallowing and have had a burning sensation in my chest. These are new symptoms and concerning to me. They originally sent me for the neck and spine MRI because I have been having abdominal pain. But with these new symptoms, I'm worried about something in my esophagus, especially because it feels like food is trapped when I try to swallow.

Answer: They use chest x-rays to test for esophageal cancer because the part of the espohagus that usually gets the cancer is below the neck in the chest cavity. They also Esopagoscopy. It's a camera that they snake down your throat to see adnormatilites. A biopsy of any abnormality is needed to determine if it is cancerous or not.

Question: How does esophageal cancer affect your digestive system?

Answer: It will eventually cause you to have a difficulty in swallowing, often painful. So therefore, it makes it hard for you to eat anything. In relation, patients lose weight and become weak, and their immune system diminishes. Most have to remain on a pureed or even liquid diet for nourishment. Last resort would be a G-tube, which is a tube inserted into the stomach for liquid feedings.