Esophageal Cancer (cont.)
Side effects of treatment
The side effects of cancer treatment depend on the type of treatment and
may be different for each person. Doctors and nurses can explain the
possible side effects of treatment, and they can suggest ways to help
relieve symptoms that may occur during and after treatment.
- Surgery for esophageal cancer may cause short-term pain and tenderness
in the area of the operation, but this discomfort or pain can be controlled with
medicine. Patients are taught special breathing and coughing exercises to keep
their lungs clear.
- Radiation therapy affects normal as well as cancerous cells. Side
effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the dose and the part of the body
that is treated. Common side effects of radiation therapy to the esophagus are a
dry, sore mouth and throat; difficulty swallowing; swelling of the mouth and
gums; dental cavities; fatigue; skin changes at the site of treatment; and loss
of appetite.
- Chemotherapy, like radiation therapy, affects normal as well as
cancerous cells. Side effects depend largely on the specific drugs and the dose
(amount of drug administered). Common side effects of chemotherapy include
nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, hair loss, skin rash and itching, mouth and
lip sores, diarrhea, and fatigue. These side effects generally go away gradually
during the recovery periods between treatments or after treatment is over.
- Laser therapy can cause short-term pain where the treatment was given,
but this discomfort can be controlled with medicine.
- Photodynamic therapy makes the skin and eyes highly sensitive to light
for 6 weeks or more after treatment. Other temporary side effects of PDT may
include coughing, trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, and painful breathing or
shortness of breath.
| Doctors and nurses can explain the possible side effects of
treatment, and they can suggest ways to help relieve symptoms that may
occur during and after treatment. |
Nutrition for cancer patients
Eating well during cancer treatment means getting enough calories and protein
to control weight loss and maintain strength. Eating well often helps people
with cancer feel better and have more energy.
However, many people with esophageal cancer find it hard to eat well because
they have difficulty swallowing. Patients may not feel like eating if they are
uncomfortable or tired. Also, the common side effects of treatment, such as poor
appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, or mouth sores, can make eating
difficult. Foods may taste different.
After surgery, patients may receive nutrients directly into a vein. (This way
of getting nourishment into the body is called an IV.) Some may need a feeding
tube (a flexible plastic tube that is passed through the nose to the stomach or
through the mouth to the stomach) until they are able to eat on their own.
Patients with esophageal cancer are usually encouraged to eat several small
meals and snacks throughout the day, rather than try to eat three large meals.
When swallowing is difficult, many patients can still manage soft, bland foods
moistened with sauces or gravies. Puddings, ice cream, and soups are nourishing
and are usually easy to swallow. It may be helpful to use a blender to process
solid foods. The doctor, dietitian, nutritionist, or other health care provider
can advise patients about these and other ways to maintain a healthy diet.
Next: What follow-up care is necessary during recovery? »
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