What does it mean when a cancer patient has trouble swallowing?

Dysphagia is the medical term for “having trouble swallowing.” In cancer patients, it can be caused by the tumor itself (usually in head and neck cancers) — which blocks or narrows the food passage — or as a side effect of treatment.

Is difficulty swallowing an end of life symptom?

Difficulty swallowing is a disturbing symptom that occurs in the vast majority of patients with a serious life-limiting illness. In fact, swallowing disorders, distinct from diminished appetite, are part of the natural process at the end of life, irrespective of the etiology.

When a dying person can no longer swallow?

If a person stops eating or drinking because of their reduced appetite, this may be hard to accept, but it is a normal part of the dying process. If they stop drinking, their mouth may look dry, but this does not always mean they are dehydrated. It is normal for all dying people eventually to stop eating and drinking.

When should I be concerned about difficulty swallowing?

You should see your doctor to determine the cause of your swallowing difficulties. Call a doctor right away if you’re also having trouble breathing or think something might be stuck in your throat. If you have sudden muscle weakness or paralysis and can’t swallow at all, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

What are the signs of end of life with cancer?

Signs of approaching death

• Worsening weakness and exhaustion.
• A need to sleep much of the time, often spending most of the day in bed or resting.
• Weight loss and muscle thinning or loss.
• Minimal or no appetite and difficulty eating or swallowing fluids.
• Decreased ability to talk and concentrate.

What is difficulty swallowing a symptom of?

Dysphagia is usually caused by another health condition, such as: a condition that affects the nervous system, such as a stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis or dementia. cancer – such as mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer. gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – where stomach acid leaks back up into the …

How bad is stage 4 throat cancer?

And stage IV cancers may have spread to lymph nodes and different parts of the head, neck, or chest. The most serious stage IV cancers have traveled to distant parts of the body like the lungs or liver.

Why do I have difficulty swallowing after cancer treatment?

Some side effects of cancer treatment may also cause swallowing difficulties: Fibrosis, which is scarring or stiffness in the throat, esophagus, or mouth. Infections of the mouth or esophagus. These may happen after radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Swelling or narrowing of the throat or esophagus.

Which is the most common cause of swallowing problems?

The types of cancer most likely to cause swallowing problems are cancers of the: People with these cancers often have problems with chewing or swallowing. Doctors call difficulty swallowing dysphagia. Surgery for cancer of the head or neck may affect the muscles in this area.

What foods are hard to swallow with cancer?

Excess weight loss weakens the body’s immune system and makes it difficult to handle the stress cancer brings mentally and physically. For many patients, dry, coarse or tough foods (meats, breads, crackers and chips) can be hard to swallow.

Can a cancer patient get dysphagia from chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy doesn’t generally cause lasting dysphagia, but it can make the effects of radiation worse. And though chemotherapy can also affect a patient’s appetite and desire to eat , those side effects are often temporary.