Radiotherapy and chemotherapy for upper esophageal cancer

summary

Recently, my health has not been very good. Not long ago, I just had an operation for esophageal cancer. Now when I eat, I no longer have difficulty swallowing. During the treatment, I learned that there are many ways. Today, let me share with you.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy for upper esophageal cancer

First, surgical treatment. Surgery is the first choice for the treatment of esophageal cancer. If the general condition is good, the cardiopulmonary function reserve is good, and there is no obvious sign of distant metastasis, surgical treatment can be considered. In general, cervical cancer length < 3cm, upper thoracic cancer length < 4cm, lower thoracic cancer length < 5cm are more likely to be resected. However, some tumors are not too large but can not be resected because of their close adhesion to the main organs such as aorta and trachea. For larger squamous cell carcinoma, the possibility of resection is not estimated, but the patient's general condition is good, preoperative radiotherapy can be used first, and surgery can be performed after the tumor size is reduced.

Second: radiotherapy. Combined radiotherapy and surgery can increase the resection rate and long-term survival rate. After preoperative radiotherapy, it is more appropriate to rest for 3-4 weeks before operation. The residual cancer tissue that is not completely removed during the operation should be marked with metal, and the postoperative radiotherapy should be started 3-6 weeks after the operation. ② Radiotherapy alone is mostly used for cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. The operation of this kind of patients is often difficult, with many complications and unsatisfactory curative effect. It can also be used for patients with contraindications for surgery but the lesion time is not long, and the patients can tolerate radiotherapy.

Third, chemotherapy. The combination of chemotherapy and surgery, radiotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine can sometimes improve the curative effect, or relieve the symptoms and prolong the survival period of patients with esophageal cancer. But we should check the blood picture and liver and kidney function regularly, and pay attention to the drug reaction.

matters needing attention

Esophageal cancer patients can control or cure their condition through the above treatment. In addition to the doctor's instructions, patients should also keep themselves in a good mood. They should not be depressed because of their condition.