Question 1

my husband has stage 3 esophageal cancer and has decided not to do chemo and radiation, what is his life expectancy ?






expectancy

Accepted Answer

Depends: Predicting the future is difficult. Without treatment, it ranges from weeks to months depending on the individual. This should be discussed with your oncologist so plans can be made.

Question 2

what are the final stages of life like with esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not nice: Local growth may prevent swallowing even one's own saliva. The idea of gastric tube feeding seems a solution, but prolongs a life of suffering. Esophca can also metastasize.  Weight loss, energy loss, weakness, dehydration. Palliative care and hospice help minimize suffering and focus on symptom relief.

Question 3

can you please tell me final stages of life with esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Cachexia: Cannot eat
weight loss
cachexia
saliva overflow
aspiration
weakness
pain
miserable I am sorry to say.

Question 4

my mom 79 has esophageal cancer with mets to liver. so far no symptoms, discomforts, normal life. how long she may have with or w/o treatment? thanks.

Accepted Answer

It depends: Many factors may determine how long someone with metastatic cancer may live. Underlying health, how fast the tumor(s) are growing, and where they are may help determine survival. In general, survival with metastatic esophageal cancer is anywhere from about 6-18 months, sonetimes much less if the cancer is extensive and growing rapidly.

Question 5

can you cure esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Esophageal cancer can be cured if it is caught early. The prognosis depends largely on the stage of disease.  Lower stage disease which is more localized is more easily cured.

Question 6

is esophageal cancer fast growing?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Depending on what you consider fast..Needs to be treated within very few weeks of diagnosis.

Question 7

how painful can esophageal cancer be?

Accepted Answer

Very: Esophageal cancer can be very painful, especially if it has already spread to other parts of the body like the bones.

Question 8

symptoms of esophageal cancer common?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty and/or: Pain on swallowing, leading to weight loss.  Commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol use, now prevalent in overweight individuals with reflux.

Question 9

how can you get an esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Two types: Adenocarcinoma:  caused by acid reflux
squamous cell carcinoma: caused by alcohol, smoking, previous radiation, nitrosamines, achalasia, caustic ingestion, chaga's disease, previous head and neck cancer.

Question 10

how fast-growing is esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Slow or Fast: It can be slow or fast, but generally its a slow process.  Esophageal cancer tends to be circumferential, like a donut.  As it grows, the hole or lumen becomes smaller, and can make it diffiult for food, then liquids to pass through.  The diamter of your esophagus can get as narrow as 6mm (18french) before one gets symptoms.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Life expectancy esophageal cancer

A member asked:

My husband has stage 3 esophageal cancer and has decided not to do chemo and radiation, what is his life expectancy ? expectancy

A member asked:

What are the final stages of life like with esophageal cancer?

A member asked:

Can you please tell me final stages of life with esophageal cancer?

A member asked:

My mom 79 has esophageal cancer with mets to liver. so far no symptoms, discomforts, normal life. how long she may have with or w/o treatment? thanks.

A member asked:

Can you cure esophageal cancer?

A member asked:

Is esophageal cancer fast growing?

A member asked:

How painful can esophageal cancer be?

A member asked:

Symptoms of esophageal cancer common?

A member asked:

How can you get an esophageal cancer?

A member asked:

How fast-growing is esophageal cancer?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?