What are the treatment options for oesophageal cancer?

Endoscopy, biopsy and scans help show where the tumour is, how deeply it has grown and whether it has spread. Chemotherapy uses medicine that travels through the bloodstream. Radiotherapy focuses energy on a planned area. Oesophagus Removal Surgery removes the affected section and creates a new route for food, when an operation is suitable. Immunotherapy helps the immune system respond to cancer cells in selected circumstances. Treatments may be given before surgery, after surgery, or when surgery is not the main approach.

Ask how the treatment plan will protect swallowing, nutrition and hydration. Tell the team about weight change, reflux, swallowing difficulty and existing health conditions. A dietitian, speech and swallowing specialist, or feeding support may be part of care. Read about Oesophageal Cancer, Radiotherapy, Oesophagus Removal Surgery, Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy.

Contact your team promptly if swallowing becomes harder, fluids keep coming back up, vomiting persists, or you develop fever or new chest pain. Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, vomiting blood, black stools or collapse. These symptoms need assessment whether or not treatment has started.

Where is the tumour and what stage is it? Is treatment intended before surgery, after surgery or instead of surgery? How will nutrition be supported? Which side effects need an urgent call?