Scar tissue in throat caused by radiation and chemo treatment

So far I've had 5 stretchings since my Stage 4 esophageal surgery. They are very helpful. At first the benefit of being able to swallow easier wasn't too great but got much better with each stretching. I actually went 9 months between stretchings recently. It's a godsend. Done under light sedation (Propofol usually) so recovery is good. I hope you can find alternatives to the trach - living with a trach is not good. I had one for the 2 mo. I was in a coma after my surgery. I've dealt with many health issues in my life and I am always open to new ideas and new doctors if need be. I need docs who think outside the box & really listen to your needs. It could mean seeing other doctors till you get resolutions. I wish you good luck with that. It is doable!

Betty

The trach was removed after I awoke from a 2 month long deep coma which occured right after my 10 hr. esophageal surgery. Needed time to heal the esophagus before doing any stretchings.

I had a squamous cell cancer of the tonsil in 1995. I had chemo and 35 rounds of radiation that took care of the cancer. I have been dealing with a severe swallowing problem from scar tissue from the radiation that started about 7 years ago, and today I am trying to stay off of a feeding tube, which my Doctors are recommending me to do. I have to blend all my meals to eat ! I am looking for ways to break up this scar tissue. Doctors don't have any answers !

I had cancer of the larynx back in 2010 , I had 30 radiotherapy treatments that cured the cancer. Now 14 years on I have great difficulty swallowing due to scar tissue. A barium swallow showed that food is going into my windpipe so I an going into hospital tomorrow to have the tissue removed and to have a throat stretch . Hopefully you will be offered this same operation ,

Hi @janet145824 and welcome to the Head and Neck group. I am sorry that your radiation did so much damage to your throat that now you must have additional repair surgery. I myself was fortunate enough to not have had swallowing issues I could not handle now twenty-two years out. You are a prime example why I try to encourage others to be careful with the selection of radiologists and if radiotherapy is actually necessary for the specific cancer treatment.
I wish you well and speedy recovery. I know this is not what you want in life. None of us do. God bless you and keep you safe.

I wish you the best and I hope your procedure is 100% effective. I am seven years out and still have trouble swallowing certain foods. Seems like it gets stuck in the middle and takes a few minutes for it to go down and is it kind of painful. Please let me know how you do. Many best wishes.

Hi Jano , Thank you so much , surgery went well, my surgeon said the mass of scar tissue in my throat was as hard as concrete, No wonder I had trouble swallowing ! I am not in any real pain after surgery but naturally my throat is quite sore, I am on soft diet for a week and then advised to gradually try to eat a more varied diet. I want to cough but cant , guess that is due to the muscles in my throat weakening . Back home now recovering - Take care :