Esophageal Cancer

Cause

Unknown

Predisposing Factors

Tobacco Use

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Chronic Trauma

Poor Oral Hygiene

Spicy Food

Signs & Symptoms

Progressive Dysphagia

Sore Throat

Pain associated with Swallowing

Obstruction

Severe Weight Loss

Choking

Location

Substernal

Epigastric

Back radiating to the neck, jaws, ear, or shoulder.

Complications

Metastasis mainly in liver and lung

Hemorrhaging in the heart

Erosion in the heart

Esophageal Perforation

Esophageal Obstruction

Risk For

Malnutrition

Dehydration

Treatment

TPN

Feeding tube

Radiation

Surgery

Esophagoenterostomy

Esophagogastrectomy

Esophagogastrostomy

Esophagectomy

Inadequate Oxygenation

Chemotherapy

Anxiety

Depression/Hopelessness

Leakage

Infection

Diagnosis

Barium Swallow

Computed Topography (CT)

Injury

Intervensions

Daily monitoring of Weight

Maintain I&O record for assessment of patient hydration status.

Assessment of patient for infection/injury

Educate patients who have stents placed that they should eat small meals, stay upright several hours after, and to avoid lying flat.

Patient education on signs of infection

Artificial Ventilation

Encourage and assist patient to turn, cough, and deep breathing.

Encourage patient to eat small, high-calorie, high-protein meals.

Pain

Analgesics may be given to manage pain.

Encourage patient to ask questions in order to correct their education of the illness.

Chest tubes are used for suction of fluid in the thoracic cavity

Electrolyte Imbalance

Encourage patient to socialize and take part in activities

Encourage patient to continue deep breathing exercises and to gradually increase activity.

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