Treatment of esophageal cancer in an 80-year-old man

Esophageal cancer may face more challenges in patients over 80 years old, but a variety of treatments still offer hope. Treatment options mainly include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and the specific choice depends on the condition, physical health and personal wishes.

Surgical treatment is still feasible in some elderly patients, but factors such as cardiopulmonary function need to be considered. Endoscopic resection may be suitable for patients with early lesions, with less trauma and faster recovery. Palliative surgery can be considered for advanced patients, mainly to relieve symptoms. Radiotherapy is one of the commonly used treatments, which can directly target cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Modern technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), can reduce damage to normal tissues. Chemotherapy is usually used as an adjuvant treatment in combination with surgery or radiotherapy. Commonly used drugs include cisplatin and fluorouracil. However, chemotherapy has greater side effects in elderly patients and needs to be carefully evaluated.

Surgical treatment is still feasible in some elderly patients, but factors such as cardiopulmonary function need to be considered. Endoscopic resection may be suitable for patients with early lesions, with less trauma and faster recovery. Palliative surgery can be considered for advanced patients, mainly to relieve symptoms. Radiotherapy is one of the commonly used treatments, which can directly target cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Modern technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), can reduce damage to normal tissues. Chemotherapy is usually used as an adjuvant treatment in combination with surgery or radiotherapy. Commonly used drugs include cisplatin and fluorouracil. However, chemotherapy has greater side effects in elderly patients and needs to be carefully evaluated.

It is also crucial to pay attention to diet and mental health. Soft and easily digestible foods can alleviate eating difficulties, while family support and psychological counseling can help improve the quality of life. Regular follow-up and active communication can help to understand changes in the disease and improve the comfort of life. If an 80-year-old patient shows symptoms such as difficulty swallowing food or persistent chest pain, he should see a doctor immediately so that an appropriate individualized treatment plan can be determined as soon as possible.