Esophageal Cancer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Esophageal cancer is a cancer of the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. This tube is called the esophagus. The cause of esophageal cancer is not known. The most common signs and symptoms you may have are difficulty or pain when swallowing, and unplanned weight loss. Your caregiver may need to do tests to see your esophagus, such as a barium swallow and an endoscopy. You will usually be treated with medicine, radiation and surgery. Esophageal cancer that is found early is easier to treat than when it is found after the disease has progressed.
  
  

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Activity:

You may feel like resting more. Match your activity to the amount of energy you have. Take a nap twice each day if you can. Going to bed early and getting up late may also help.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You are throwing up and cannot keep any food or liquids down.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your radiation or chemotherapy visit.
  
  
• You are so sad you feel you cannot cope with your illness.
  
  
• You have blood coming out of your mouth or nose.
  
  
• You have pain that does not decrease or go away after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your cancer or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Esophageal Cancer (Aftercare Instructions)