Can my mom's esophageal cancer be treated through surgery alone?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother is suffering from cancer of the esophagus. I have attached her reports, and she does not want to go through radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Can it be treated through surgery only?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your provided images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Thanks for uploading all of them.

It is very easy for a doctor to say the patient denied chemotherapy and radiotherapy and took responsibility for the same. Hence, the outcome of the treatment will not be as good as possible.

In your mother's case, esophageal carcinoma is a deadly disease. In recent times, the best evidence worldwide has shown a definite role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma (your mom's type of cancer). So, your doctor is right in recommending the same.

In the past, straightforward surgery was done in many cases, and it was then followed by radiotherapy. However, the new approach is better. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by surgery.

Another important consideration is where to get the treatment done. It is very important to choose the right hospital for her treatment.

The recommended treatment of a disease is based on the available best evidence of outcomes seen internationally. And irrespective of a patient's or doctor's wishes, the recommended treatment of a disease does not change.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.