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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Appetite Loss In Esophageal Cancer Indicate?

My cousin's husband has Stage IV esophageal cancer. He stopped treatment and now sleeps most days on his pain meds. He says he is not hungry, isn't eating or drinking fluids. Should she be trying to "force" him to eat, or do these symptoms indicate that his body is shutting down?

susancole1461@ WWW.WWWW.WW
Tue, 20 May 2014
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Oncologist,  's  Response
Hi. This is a common problem seen in patients with advanced cancers. in his case there may be blockage of esophagus which may be causing him pain or difficulty in eating and drinking. More over advancs cancer patients have loss of appetite. Dont force him , instead encourage him to eat and drink high caloric diets. encourage him to take small meals frequently. for example instead of eating a whole bread at a time, ask him to take only few bites. also encourage him to drink milk and fluids to a level he is comfortable with. give him something to eat and drink after every hour or so. if there is blockage in esophagus a tube for feeding can be passed in his stomach (gastrostomy) or small intestine (jejunostomy) to help meet his dietary requirement. Through these tubes semi-solid foods and liquid diets can be given.Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
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What Does Appetite Loss In Esophageal Cancer Indicate?

Hi. This is a common problem seen in patients with advanced cancers. in his case there may be blockage of esophagus which may be causing him pain or difficulty in eating and drinking. More over advancs cancer patients have loss of appetite. Dont force him , instead encourage him to eat and drink high caloric diets. encourage him to take small meals frequently. for example instead of eating a whole bread at a time, ask him to take only few bites. also encourage him to drink milk and fluids to a level he is comfortable with. give him something to eat and drink after every hour or so. if there is blockage in esophagus a tube for feeding can be passed in his stomach (gastrostomy) or small intestine (jejunostomy) to help meet his dietary requirement. Through these tubes semi-solid foods and liquid diets can be given.Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help