Articles
Oesophageal Cancer
Oesophageal tumours can mechanically inhibit food intake and thus malnutrition is common. Initial symptoms include reflux, painful swallowing, coughing and choking on food. This causes the person to instinctively decrease food intake or change their diet prior to diagnosis. By the time the tumour is diagnosed, malnutrition has set in.
Surgical removal of oesophageal cancer has a profound effect on one’s ability to eat post surgery. Abstinence from oral food intake due to pain and discomfort when swallowing leads to a decrease in stomach size which in turn results in early satiety, vomiting and further nutrient deficiency. Nausea and vomiting are classic symptoms of chemotherapy, leading to an unwillingness to eat and further malnutrition. Radiotherapy often causes oesophageal swelling, resulting in painful swallowing and reflux, once again impacting ones nutritional intake.
A nutritional management plan should begin at diagnosis and take into account both nutritional depletion and how the treatment and the cancer itself are affecting intake. It is extremely important to enlist the help of a dietitian to monitor your progress and your nutrition status. Pain or discomfort when swallowing will be a primary focus and food texture should change accordingly. Move from solid food to puréed food to liquids as you feel necessary. Consume small frequent meals, take small bites, chew thoroughly and sip liquids slowly between meals. High calorie and high protein supplements will likely be required. In some cases, enteral (or tube) feeding will be required, especially if the tumour is blocking the oesophagus or surgery makes oral intake impossible.
Added to site on : Monday, 1 October 2012