100 Questions And Answers About Esophogeal Cancer

by Pamela Ginex

Overview

This book gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by three esophageal cancer experts and an actual patient.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763745707
Publisher:	Jones & Barlett Learning
Publication date:	12/31/2007
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	0.39(w) x 6.00(h) x 9.00(d)

Table of Contents

	Preface	v
	Foreword	vii
	Dedications	ix
Part 1	The Basics	1
	Questions 1-6
	What is the esophagus? What does the esophagus do?
	What is cancer?
	What is cancer of the esophagus?
	What causes esophageal cancer?
Part 2	Risk and Prevention	9
	Questions 7-18
	What are risk factors?
	Is esophageal cancer hereditary?
	What are the warning signs of esophageal cancer?
	Will taking heartburn medications help prevent esophageal cancer?
Part 3	Diagnosis and Staging	27
	Questions 19-25
	How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
	What tests are preformed to aid in the diagnosis?
	What does my doctor mean by "stage of disease," and why is staging important?
Part 4	Coping with the Diagnosis	39
	Questions 26-39
	I've been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. What should I do now?
	How do I select a surgeon or medical oncologist?
	Should I get a second opinion?
	What else can I do to strengthen myself before treatment?
	What is the right thing to say to my loved one?
Part 5	Treatment Options	67
	Questions 40-80
	What things should I consider when making treatment choices?
	Will I have pain? What are my options to treat it if I do?
	What are the latest developments in esophageal cancer treatment? How do I find out about them?
Part 6	Living with Esophageal Cancer	123
	Questions 81-95
	I don't seem to have much of an appetite after treatment. How can I improve my appetite and nutrition during and after treatment?
	Will I be able to work during and after treatment?
	How do I get my life back to normal?
Part 7	If Treatment Fails: Advocacy and Support	149
	Questions 96-100
	Where does esophageal cancer usually spread? What are the symptoms that indicate my cancer has spread?
	What happens if the cancer comes back?
	My treatment doesn't seem to be working. What should I do to prepare myself and my family for the future?
	Appendix	157
	Glossary	161
	Index	167