What diet do I need to take if I have esopharyngeal cancer?
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Kalli Castille of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) answered:With esophageal cancer, close monitoring by a registered dietitian board certified in oncology nutrition is crucial. Depending on the individual treatment plan, there are many symptoms that can affect one's ability to eat or drink enough calories to support the immune system.
To get started:
Eat a protein source with all meals and snacks.
Trial a variety of protein smoothies and shakes in the event swallowing becomes more difficult.
Eat a variety of non citrus fruits.
Try cooking vegetables to provide a softer consistency when swallowing.
Drink plenty of liquids to maintain hydration.
With esophageal cancer, close monitoring by a registered dietitian board certified in oncology nutrition is crucial. Depending on the individual treatment plan, there are many symptoms that can affect one's ability to eat or drink enough... More -
When you have esophageal cancer, it may be hard to eat for many reasons. You may be uncomfortable or tired, and you may not feel like eating. Also, the cancer may make it hard to swallow food. If you're getting chemotherapy, you may find that foods don't taste as good as they used to. You also may have side effects of treatment such as poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you develop problems with eating, there are a number of ways to meet your nutrition needs. A registered dietitian can help you figure out a way to get enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals:
- A dietitian may suggest a change in the types of foods you eat. Sometimes changing the texture, fiber, and fat content of your foods can lessen your discomfort. A dietitian may also suggest a change in the portion size and meal times.
- A dietitian may recommend liquid meals, such as canned nutrition beverages, milk shakes, or smoothies.
- If swallowing becomes too difficult, your dietitian and your doctor may recommend that you receive nutrition through a feeding tube.
- Sometimes, nutrition is provided directly into the bloodstream with intravenous nutrition.
This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.
When you have esophageal cancer, it may be hard to eat for many reasons. You may be uncomfortable or tired, and you may not feel like eating. Also, the cancer may make it hard to swallow food. If you're getting chemotherapy, you may find that foods... More -
Alberta Scruggs answered:Patients with cancer are a special population whose kcalorie and protein needs increase (and may double), depending on their nutritional status.
A patient with esopharyngeal cancer may experience minor to major swallowing difficulty. If this is the case, a mechanically altered oral diet (chopped, pureed or thickened liquid), may be beneficial. If appetite is poor, try eating small frequent meals instead of large ones. Supplement meals with a high nutrient / kcalorie drink when oral intake is less than adequate. Try to avoid meals with high fiber foods because they tend to make you "full" quicker and may cause increased episodes of bloating / gas.
If the patient cannot swallow (dysphagia), alternative nutrition via of the gut (enteral), or alternative nutrition via of the vein (parenteral) may be necessary.
Whatever route the nutrients are delivered, protein and kcalorie needs are increased to help prevent protein kcalorie malnutrition. If a person has been on a therapeutic diet in the past, due to other medical diagnosis (i.e.: low sodium, diabetes, etc.,) the diet is generally relaxed.
Patients tend to experience a lack of appetite after chemotherapy or radiation treatment. A care giver should determine and provide the patient with his or her favorite foods (especially high kcalorie / protein), before treatment. This helps compensate when oral intake is poor.
Generally, the physician will order a multivitamin and mineral supplement to help decrease risks of micronutrient deficiencies.
Patients with cancer are a special population whose kcalorie and protein needs increase (and may double), depending on their nutritional status. A patient with esopharyngeal cancer may experience minor to major swallowing difficulty. If this is the... More
