Oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Its also commonly called the food pipe. Oesophageal cancer is the 6th most common cancer in India and is also the 6th most common cause of cancer-related deaths in India. In 2018 there were 52,396 new cases and 46,504 deaths in India due to Oesophageal cancer.
TYPES AND SUBTYPES
Oesophageal cancer may be classified based on cell type: Squamous cell carcinoma (originates from squamous cells that line the oesophagus and is found in the upper and middle part of the oesophagus) or Adenocarcinoma (originates from the glandular tissue in the lower part of the oesophagus).
STAGING OF OESOPHAGEAL CANCER
If you are diagnosed with cancer, your doctor will run more tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer's stage is an important input in deciding on your treatment. The stage of a cancer describes the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. It may be described as stage 0 to stage IV and takes into account: the size of the cancer, whether the lymph nodes are affected, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Sources: Cancer India; Cancer.Net; Cancer.org; European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN OESOPHAGEAL CANCER
TREATMENTS
The management of cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, additional health issues, age etc. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy may be used.
Sources: Cancer.Net; European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT): Unlike most other diseases, cancer treatment requires an integrated approach from several specialists, each with their own expertise. This team of specialists who would work together on your cancer, is referred to as the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Many global organisations have recognized the importance of a MDT for cancer treatment, as it improves coordinated care to you, as a patient. Your MDT would include specialists from the following:
Some hospitals that take an organ-based approach to cancer, have a separate department for Gastrointestinal Cancers. These teams comprise of specialists who have dedicated training in cancers of the digestive system.
TUMOR BOARD: A tumor board is a meeting where your Multi-Disciplinary Team discusses cancer cases and shares knowledge. The board’s goal is to determine the best possible cancer treatment and care plan for an individual patient. Having fresh perspectives from other doctors makes it much easier to come up with that plan.
In some hospitals, all cancer cases are discussed at the Tumor Board, while in other hospitals the Tumor Board focuses on cases where a doctor seeks inputs from other specialists on the patient’s case. It’s OK to ask your doctor if or why your case was discussed at a tumor board. Or if it wasn’t, why not? In some cases, a patient’s treatment plan is very straightforward using standard treatment guidelines, and the doctor may feel a tumor board review isn’t needed. However, you can request that one be done.
SUPPORT GROUPS: These are offline or online groups that connect patients suffering from cancer. Do find out about a support group around you. The hospital where you are being treated may have a support group that you could join.
Sources: Mayo Clinic
Choosing your oncologist and hospital is a very important decision, we recommend you make the time to research your options. We profile hospitals and doctors based on the range of services they offer for Oesophageal cancer treatment, use our search tools to help you find a suitable medical provider. You may call us for any assistance while selecting or booking.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you need to find an oncologist to begin your treatment. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. For oesophageal cancer, you can start by visiting a surgical oncologist or a gastrointestinal surgical oncologist. Choose someone you are not only confident about but also comfortable with.
TIPS TO FIND AN ONCOLOGIST
TIPS TO FIND A HOSPITAL
Sources: Rogel Cancer Center; Cancer.Net
Source: Advanced Home Care
Source: Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
Source: Mayo Clinic
Source: Mayo Clinic
Source: Mayo Clinic
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Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
It is a unique peer-support network of cancer survivors, for patients. By being a part of this network, you can support patients by speaking to them on a call.
Why should I join the Canswer network?
Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge experiences”. Only you, the survivor, has the real experience to support and guide patients who are still fighting cancer. Most patients say talking to a survivor is an important way of dealing with the disease. We want this network to provide a simple way for survivors to support patients, by just making a call.
What is expected of me during the call?
Simply share your experience with the patient honestly. Most patients may have questions on situations that cancer patients face commonly, you can use your own experience to answer. Good listening and encouragement can do wonders.
How will I know if any patient wants to talk to me?
Patients who find your profile as a match can request an introduction to you through our website. Our team will get in touch with you to seek a time that is convenient for you to take the call. We will schedule the call to introduce you to the patient at the appointed time.
Will my identity and contact details be shared?
Your contact details (such as name, phone, email, etc.) are never shared with anyone. We will facilitate the call using a phone line that doesn’t reveal your number during the call.
How much time do I have to devote, if I join this network?
Calls are only setup after taking a prior appointment with you. There is no expectation of minimum or maximum number of calls you have to take, it’s totally up to you. The normal duration of a call is up to 20-30 mins. If the patient needs more time, we request them to schedule a separate call.
Do I get paid for attending calls?
Yes. We appreciate the time you make from your busy schedule to support patients. As a token of appreciation, we provide Rs. 1000/- at the end of every five calls you support.
Please follow these Do’s and Don’ts while guiding patients or caregivers:
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Note: DCode Care doesn’t charge anything to patients for coordinating enquiries and booking appointments to its patients.