Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Esophageal Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can involve a lot of new information. Writing down questions before appointments can help you understand your diagnosis and make informed decisions about your care. Consider bringing a family member or friend to important appointments. They can take notes and help you remember information later.

Questions about your diagnosis

What type of esophageal cancer do I have?

• Is it adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma?

• Where exactly is the tumor located?

• What is the grade of my cancer?

• What stage is my cancer?

• What are my T, N, and M categories?

• Has the cancer spread to lymph nodes?

• Has it spread anywhere else?

• Do I need additional tests before treatment begins?

• Should I get a second opinion from an esophageal cancer specialist?

Questions about biomarker testing

• Has my tumor been tested for biomarkers?

• Has my cancer been tested for HER2?

• Has PD-L1 testing been performed?

• Has my tumor been tested for mismatch repair deficiency or microsatellite instability?

• Would next-generation sequencing be helpful?

• Do any of my biomarkers make me eligible for targeted therapy or immunotherapy?

• Could my biomarker results help identify a clinical trial?

Questions about treatment

• What are my treatment options?

• Which treatment do you recommend and why?

• What is the goal of treatment?

• Is my cancer considered curable?

• Will I need chemotherapy?

• Will I need radiation?

• Will I need surgery?

• In what order will I receive these treatments?

• How long will treatment last?

• What side effects should I expect?

• How can we prevent or manage side effects?

• How will we know whether treatment is working?

• Are there clinical trials I should consider before beginning treatment?

Questions about surgery

• Am I a candidate for esophagectomy?

• How much of my esophagus will be removed?

• How will my digestive tract be reconstructed?

• Can the surgery be performed minimally invasively or robotically?

• How many esophagectomies does my surgeon perform each year?

• How many does this hospital perform each year?

• How long will I be in the hospital?

• What will recovery be like?

• How will surgery change the way I eat?

• Will I need a feeding tube?

• What complications should I know about?

Questions about chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy

• Which chemotherapy drugs will I receive?

• How will chemotherapy be given?

• Will chemotherapy be combined with radiation?

• How many radiation treatments will I need?

• Am I eligible for immunotherapy?

• How do my PD-L1 or other biomarker results affect my treatment?

• What side effects should I expect?

• Which symptoms should prompt me to call your office immediately?

Questions about nutrition and swallowing

• Should I see an oncology dietitian before treatment begins?

• Am I losing too much weight?

• How much protein and how many calories do I need?

• What foods may be easier to swallow?

• Should I use nutrition supplements?

• How can I maintain my strength and muscle during treatment?

• Will I need temporary tube feeding?

• What eating changes should I expect after surgery?

• What should I do if swallowing becomes more difficult?

Questions about prognosis

• What does my stage mean for my prognosis?

• What factors are most important for determining my outlook?

• How likely is my cancer to respond to treatment?

• What is the risk that the cancer will return?

• If my cancer returns, what treatment options would I have?

• How do current treatments affect survival compared with older statistics?

Questions about follow-up care

• How will we know whether treatment is working?

• What follow-up tests will I need?

• How often will I need CT or PET scans?

• Will I need follow-up endoscopies?

• What symptoms should I report immediately?

• What long-term side effects should I watch for?

• Who should I contact if I have a concern between appointments?

Questions about clinical trials

• Are there clinical trials that fit my diagnosis?

• Should I consider a clinical trial before starting standard treatment?

• What is the goal of the trial?

• What treatment would I receive if I did not participate?

• What are the potential benefits and risks?

• What additional tests or appointments are required?

• Will I need to travel?

• What costs are covered?

• Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Questions about coping and support

• Can you refer me to an oncology dietitian?

• Can I meet with a palliative care team?

• Are there support groups for people with esophageal cancer?

• Can you connect me with an oncology social worker or patient navigator?

• What resources are available for my caregiver?

• Are there resources to help with treatment costs?

• Is transportation or lodging assistance available?

• Where can I find emotional or mental health support?

Moving forward

You are not expected to understand everything about esophageal cancer immediately after diagnosis. Your cancer type, stage, tumor biology, overall health, response to treatment, and personal priorities all help determine the treatment plan that is right for you. Keep asking questions when something is unclear. Consider bringing someone you trust to important appointments, and do not hesitate to ask for a second opinion if you want additional expertise before making a major treatment decision.