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Suggest Remedy For Pain And Fibrosis In Neck While Recovering Form Neck Cancer

Posted on Wed, 7 Oct 2015

Question: My husband was diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer 21 months ago. At this time, he is cancer free, thank the good Lord, however the condition that the chemo and radiation left him in is almost unbearable. He is on a PEG tube, no saliva glands, minimal movement in his neck, cant eat or swallow anything. He has had his esophagus dilated numerous times and the last time we were told he would need a trach put in so he is very hesitant to have this done again. One of his main problems is the fibrosis in his neck, his neck is as hard as a piece of wood and he is always in extremely major pain. He takes pain meds regularly. Hearing loss and just a multiple of problems since he was diagnosed with this. Do you have any suggestions for the fibrosis? In a recent PET scan the only thing that was seen was in the lungs but the dr thought that may be pneumonia but we are not sure. In late October he will be having a CT scan so we are praying they find nothing then. What should we do??

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Balloon dilatation, puncture, Steroid injection

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Thanks for the query.

Is he coughing out blood ?

Is he able to take food and fluids by mouth ?

Your husband is now suffering from post-irradiation oesophageal stricture and fibrosis which is causing the difficulty in swallowing.

Since he is already a PEG tube, this will help stretch out the tight stricture and increase the diameter to allow passage of food later.

There are certain treatment modalities that I can recommend, like Intralesional steroid injection into the area of fibrosis which helps to loosen it up. Also Pharyngooesophageal puncture with the help of endoscopes and surgical incisions will help to loosen the right stricture and fibrosis. This can be discussed with his Doctor.

I'm glad that the cancer was treated. It would be wise to wait for the CT Scan report and to remain calm till then. Your husband has been through a tough battle and is very strong to go through the ordeal of cancer and it's treatment.

He needs your support and prayers to come out of this successfully. As of now kindly follow the orders as given by his Doctor. Keep him well hydrated. Feed him as advised by his Doctor. Avoid spicy or oily food. He may need antacid medication as well, after consulting with his Doctor.

Wishing a speedy recovery.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (18 minutes later)

Thank you for your answer. No, he is not coughing up blood only lots of phlegm. He can not eat or drink anything. His throat is pretty much swollen together.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lung lesion may need Bronchoscopic analysis. Follow proper rehabilitation p

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the reply.

Usually coughing up blood can indicate lung cancer. Possibly a bronchoscopic biopsy can confirm if your Doctor suspects the same. Kindly discuss about this with him.

The throat swelling will resolve to some extent in time with regular medication, rehabilitation protocol and dilatation with possibility of the mentioned surgical procedures.

Wishing a speedy recovery.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj