Treatment for oesophageal cancer
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of oesophageal cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage), and what the cancer cells look like under the microscope (grade). It also depends on your general health.
A team of health professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you.
Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)
There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your health when preparing for treatment. This is called prehabilitation or prehab.
Treatment options for oesophageal cancer
The treatment you have for oesophageal cancer depends on the stage of your cancer. You might have one or more treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted cancer drugs or radiotherapy.
Surgery for oesophageal cancer
Surgery is the most common treatment if your cancer hasn't spread. Surgeons remove all or part of your oesophagus.
Chemotherapy for oesophageal cancer
Radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer
Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to destroy oesophageal cancer cells.
Chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer
Targeted and immunotherapy drugs for oesophageal cancer
There are different targeted and immunotherapy drugs for oesophageal cancer. These include trastuzumab and nivolumab.
Making swallowing easier when you have oesophageal cancer
Swallowing can be difficult for some people with cancer in the oeosphagus. There are treatments that can make swallowing easier.
Follow up appointments after oesophageal cancer treatment
After treatment you usually have follow up appointments to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries.