my father haws just been diagnosed stage 1vb oesophageal cancer lymph involvement nodes affected in perineum aged 85 type 2 diabetes mature onset tablet and diet controlled but has only one kidney had bilateral caterracts years ago has regular laser rx to eyes having gastroscopy in a few days to hopeful;y put in a stent as dysphagic lost significant body mass last 6 - 8 weeks chemo unlikely due to kidney function i need a realistic prognosis i need to organise siblings living abroad outside EU to visit. thankyou
Hi, Thanks for writing in. A cancer esophagus stage 4b has a guarded prognosis and patient survival might be extended to 2 years. It will help to know which part of the esophagus is involved. The esophagus is a tubular structure connecting mouth to stomach. It has an upper mid and lower third. The exact region of cancer and its extent is important to know. Placement of stent is done to clear the luminal obstruction. I guess the cancer is in mid or lower third and therefore stent is in place. Since chemotherapy is unlikely therefore the doctors might suggest radiation therapy as one of the treatment options. This might help to suppress the tumor for few months and delay progression of disease. The prognosis in his case might be 6 months to slightly over a year if he is able to have oral foods containing nutrients. Please do not worry.