Treating swallowing problems for oesophageal cancer
Treating swallowing problems
If you find swallowing difficult because the cancer is blocking your oesophagus, your doctor may suggest 1 or more treatments. The treatments may need to be repeated.
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Stenting
Your cancer doctor may suggest putting a wire-mesh tube into the oesophagus using an endoscope. The tube is called a stent. Having a stent put in is similar to having an endoscopy.
The stent helps keep the oesophagus open, so food can pass through more easily. This makes eating more comfortable. To stop the stent from getting blocked, you may have to avoid certain types of food. Having fizzy drinks after eating can also help keep the tube clean and clear.
After having a stent placed, you may have some pain for a few days. Your doctor or nurse will give you painkillers.
Stretching (dilation)
Instead of stenting, your surgeon may offer stretching or dilatation treatment. Using an endoscope, the surgeon passes a small dilator or expanding balloon into the oesophagus. This stretches the oesophagus and makes more space for food and fluid to pass through. Stretching may be done after radiotherapy or surgery.
It is a simple and quick procedure. It may be done under a general anaesthetic, which means you are not awake when you have the procedure. Or you may have medicine to make you feel relaxed and sleepy (sedation). You may need to have the procedure more than once. There is a small risk that stretching the oesophagus may cause it to tear. If this happens, you will be treated in hospital.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment is sometimes used to improve swallowing difficulties. Laser treatment is a powerful beam of light. It can destroy some of the cancer that is blocking the oesophagus. This helps food pass through the oesophagus more easily.
Laser treatment is not widely available in the UK, and you may have to travel to have it. Your cancer doctor can tell you whether laser treatment might be suitable for you.
Argon plasma coagulation
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our oesophageal cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
European Society for Medical Oncology. Oesophageal Cancer: ESMO clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow up. 2022. Available from www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/gastrointestinal-cancers/oesophageal-cancer [accessed July 2023].
National Institute for Care and Health Excellence. Oesophago-gastric cancer: assessment and management in adults NICE guideline [NG83]. 2018. Available from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng83 [accessed July 2023].
Dr Chris Jones
Reviewer
Speciality Registrar in Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Oncology
Date reviewed
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