Oesophagus cancer

My partner has had oesophagus cancer and has had part of his stomach removed and stretched to make a new oesophagus. This was done by robotic surgery. Only one lymph node had cancer out of 51. 

He has since had a scan and we have now received a call from hospital saying there is a shadow which they need to investigate.  

Should we be worried that the cancer has returned or could  be scarring. 

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    A shadow on a scan can mean different things, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that your partner’s cancer has come back. It could be scar tissue from the surgery, inflammation, or even an infection. However, the doctors will need to investigate further to be sure.

    I know waiting to find out more is stressful. Your partner is probably best discussing this further with his doctors as they know the area that they are looking at and they will be able to tell him more. Sometimes they may decide to repeat a scan or do another type of scan or biopsy to investigate it further.

    I hope you both know more soon. If you want to talk any of this through then do give one of the nurses a ring on the helpline to talk any of this through. We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040.

    Kind regards,

    Celene