How to treat esophageal cancer metastasis?

Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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The metastasis of esophageal cancer involves several aspects. The first aspect is the metastasis of lymph nodes, including those around the esophagus. If the number of metastatic lymph nodes is small and the tumor's location is suitable for surgical removal, then surgery can still be considered.

The second issue involves cases where there is lymph node metastasis but with a higher number and wider spread, making surgical treatment unfeasible. In such cases, radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be considered to treat the esophageal cancer.

Of course, there are also some new methods available now, such as immunotherapy, which can be considered along with others. Also, to improve symptoms of esophageal stricture, using an esophageal stent to control the difficulty of swallowing associated with esophageal cancer is also possible.

Other Voices

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Esophageal cancer metastasis pathways

"In terms of the metastatic pathways of esophageal cancer, the first one is through the bloodstream, known as hematogenous spread. This primarily results in metastases to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, etc. The second pathway is via the lymphatic system. Lymphatic spread leads to metastases in regional lymph nodes and distant lymph nodes. The third pathway is through local invasion by the tumor, where the esophageal cancer can invade nearby organs and spread. These are the pathways through which metastasis occurs."

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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How to treat esophageal cancer metastasis?

The metastasis of esophageal cancer involves several aspects. The first aspect is the metastasis of lymph nodes, including those around the esophagus. If the number of metastatic lymph nodes is small and the tumor's location is suitable for surgical removal, then surgery can still be considered. The second issue involves cases where there is lymph node metastasis but with a higher number and wider spread, making surgical treatment unfeasible. In such cases, radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be considered to treat the esophageal cancer. Of course, there are also some new methods available now, such as immunotherapy, which can be considered along with others. Also, to improve symptoms of esophageal stricture, using an esophageal stent to control the difficulty of swallowing associated with esophageal cancer is also possible.

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Written by Zhai Guo Dong
Gastroenterology
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The difference between esophagitis and esophageal cancer.

Esophagitis and esophageal cancer have essential differences. Esophagitis is merely an inflammatory disease, which is relatively common in clinical settings and often related to excessive stomach acid, acid reflux, or other physical and chemical irritants. Esophageal cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant tumor. The mechanisms of their development, as well as the differences in prognosis and treatment plans, are very significant.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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What should I do about esophageal cancer?

Currently, effective treatments for esophageal cancer include surgical treatment, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Integrated treatment with surgery as the main approach is the primary method for treating esophageal cancer. This may include preoperative radiotherapy followed by surgery, preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgery, or direct surgery followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. These are all major treatment methods for esophageal cancer. However, the choice of a personalized integrated treatment should be based on factors such as the stage of the disease, the location of the lesion, age, and physical condition.

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Written by Wang Kun
Surgical Oncology
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How is esophageal cancer treated if it has not spread?

If esophageal cancer is clinically assessed as not having spread, surgical treatment is the first choice for patients. Since esophageal cancer surgery is a major operation, it is recommended that patients undergo surgery in a specialized hospital. Of course, for some older patients with poor cardiopulmonary function, if the pathology is squamous cell carcinoma, it is advisable to consider radiotherapy, because this tumor is relatively sensitive to radiation and often achieves better clinical outcomes. However, compared to surgical resection, the effects might be less favorable. For patients in generally good condition, surgery combined with radiation therapy can reduce the likelihood of postoperative recurrence and metastasis.