64 y.o. female has a gullet cancer of the upper/3 T4NxM0. Manifistation with dysphagia. She received radiotherapy (as a first step of treatment 36Gr). Now she advised to undergo surgery (gullet and throat resection). Are there any other options of treatment in this situation?
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Gullet cancer is called esophageal cancer, and it might involve the upper, mid or lower thirds. The tumor is first assessed by endoscopy and CT scan. Radiotherapy is given to reduce tumor volume and shrink the cancer. For cancer of the upper third in the case mentioned the treatment can often be surgical excision of the cancerous part of esophagus and gastric pull through. The area involved by cancer will be surgically removed, and the lower part will be pulled up to form the esophagus. This is a successful treatment, but there is always risk of disease recurrence. If the tumor showed good response to radiation therapy then this is a good option. Allowing the cancer to stay might reduce survival and also cause discomfort and inability to eat and Chat Doctor.  Please do not worry.