What should I do if I have esophageal cancer? Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, which is caused by cancerous lesions on the esophagus, which is the tube connecting stomach and pharynx and is about 25-30 cm long. Its occurrence is often related to diet, smoking, alcoholism and chronic inflammation of esophagus, genetics, etc. The incidence increases with age above 30 years old, and the peak incidence is between 50-69 years old, more men than women.
1.Clinical manifestations.
① Foreign body sensation in the esophagus: usually there is a feeling that something is attached to the esophageal wall and cannot be swallowed;
②Choking sensation in the esophagus: when eating, especially when eating dry food. Sometimes it seems as if there is an incomplete swallowing of food in the esophagus, so the patient likes to make swallowing movements;
③Posterior sternal discomfort or pain: Patients always feel a localized pain behind the sternum when swallowing water or swallowing food, and this feeling gradually disappears after swallowing;
④Dryness and tightness of the pharynx: it can be accompanied by slight pain, often associated with mood swings;
⑤ Vomiting after eating: vomiting is often caused by eating, and the vomit is a large amount of mucus;
⑥Late symptoms: malnutrition, weight loss, respiratory distress, etc. may occur.
2.Related tests.
① X-ray barium esophagogram: it is the main method to diagnose esophageal cancer. It can detect mucosal interruption, lumen filling defect and stenosis and soft tissue mass shadow.
②Physical and chemical examination cytological examination: this examination is one of the desirable methods to diagnose early esophageal cancer. The detection rate can reach 80%. Esophagoscopy: It is one of the more reliable methods to diagnose esophageal cancer. It can understand the location, nature and scope of lesions.
3.Prevention.
① Correct bad eating habits, do not eat moldy and spoiled food;
②Limit eating pickled vegetables, pickled fish and cured meat;
③Eating should be chewed and swallowed slowly;
④Do not eat food that is too hard and too hot. Quit smoking and alcohol abuse.
⑤Treat esophageal and oral diseases in time.
(6) In areas with high incidence of esophageal cancer, regular screening and general treatment of esophageal cancer should be carried out.
(7) Pay attention to the early detection of esophageal cancer symptoms and go to hospital to confirm the diagnosis in time.
(8) The area with high incidence of esophageal cancer can try drugs for prevention, such as oral vitamin A, vitamin C or complex of trace elements, etc.
4.Care.
①Patients with loss of appetite should adopt less food and more meals, or even take a bite every other moment;
② For those with nausea and vomiting, chew slowly and eat less and eat more. You can use light, easy to digest, slightly cold food;
(③People with bloating should try to eat less sweet, greasy, fried food;
④People who have difficulty swallowing should eat small amounts of multiple meals, do not eat dry and hard food, and eat thick paste food is more appropriate.
⑤ If nausea, vomiting, pain, abdominal distension and constipation are not relieved by dietary regimen, symptomatic medication should be administered, and for those with special difficulty in swallowing, nasal feeding can be considered to avoid malnutrition or water loss.
(6) Do the ideological work, stabilize the patient’s emotion, and try to eliminate the patient’s fear or irritation. What should be done when having esophageal cancer? Modern medicine is developing rapidly and the effect of comprehensive treatment is remarkable. Seek medical treatment early!