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Larynx cancer side effects


Sent to Health Experts October 09, 2006 2:09 p.m.
On 1/31/04, I was diagnosed with larynx cancer. Had Chemo and radiation. According to my ent doctor, cancer disappeared in mid March 2003 but started radiation. According to my ent doctor, a scar tissue on my esophagus is causing me to be unable to swallow food and liquid. I can, however, get apple sauce down with a little difficulty.
I have been feeding myself via peg tube since 1/31/04.
Question: Could radiation treatment for larynx cancer cause scar tissue on my esophagus? Will there come a time when the scar tissue will soften up and thereby able me to swallow normally. Is there a doctor in Central Florida that can help me? I'm at a point of severe frustration. Thank you for your help. R. Shenton

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Male , Age: 69

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Info Request
October 09, 2006 2:20 p.m. (10 minutes and 39 seconds later) 		REPLIED to Info Request Check Mark
Hello Customer (name blocked for privacy). I'm sorry to hear about your bout with cancer.
Yes, radiation can cause scar tissue to build on the esophagus and it's highly unlikely that it will soften up. I am enclosing a link for your review on your type of problem:

http://www1.wfubmc.edu/voice/topics/rehabilitation.htm

I can assist you in locating ENT's in Central Florida. Do you have medical insurance and are there restrictions on who you can see? Ex: need a referral from your primary care doctor.

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Thanks so much for allowing me to help! Please click the "ACCEPT" button if you found this useful.
Adrianne, RN/Health Coach


contactanurse  -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 45 Health Accepts
Registered Nurse/Health Coach
Reply to contactanurse
Sent October 09, 2006 3:08 p.m. (47 minutes and 56 seconds later)
The web site you recommend was for larynx, not esophagus. My vocal cords are bqck to normal. I go for a throat scope every 3 months, just had one last Friday and the throat is clear, ent doctor has been saying one would never know I had larynx cancer. ENT doctors do not treat the esophagus, only GI doctors. I saw a GI doctor, had a swallow test and results was the esophagus was normal. No areas of mucosa disruption or persistent narrowing are evident on the esophagus. Tertiary contractions are prominent. A hiatal hernia appears to be present. My main question is why would radiation of the larynx cause scaring to the esophagus, thus causing swallowing problems I never had before radiation?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 09, 2006 3:27 p.m. (19 minutes and 25 seconds later) 		REPLIED Check Mark
The esophagus is close enough in proximity to the larynx for there to be some residual effects due to the radiation. There is what is called esophageal strictures which can take place after radiation to the laryngx. These strictures can be surgically opened. I hope this clarifies things a little better.
I would be happy to provide more details and also assist with locating a specialist in your area if you would like as you mentioned in your previous post.
Adrianne, RN

__________________
Thanks so much for allowing me to help! Please click the "ACCEPT" button if you found this useful.
Adrianne, RN/Health Coach


contactanurse  -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 45 Health Accepts
Registered Nurse/Health Coach
Reply to contactanurse
Sent October 09, 2006 4:06 p.m. (38 minutes and 45 seconds later)
I would e happy to see any further details and a recommendation of a doctor that specializes in my esophagus problem in my area. my zip is 32725. Thank you
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 09, 2006 4:12 p.m. (6 minutes and 16 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
Please click on the accept button. After this is done I will send you a Private Message with further information and a list of specialists in your area.
I appreciate the chance to assist you.
Adrianne, RN

__________________
Thanks so much for allowing me to help! Please click the "ACCEPT" button if you found this useful.
Adrianne, RN/Health Coach


contactanurse  -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 45 Health Accepts
Registered Nurse/Health Coach

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