What should be done for an 80-year-old elderly person with esophageal tumor?

Generally, esophageal tumors in 80-year-old individuals may be caused by factors such as aging of the esophageal mucosa, decreased immunity, reflux esophagitis, esophageal diverticula, and Barrett's esophagus. Treatment under a doctor’s guidance may include general management and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Aging of the Esophageal Mucosa

With increasing age, epithelial cells of the esophageal mucosa gradually age, their regenerative capacity weakens, and resistance to harmful stimuli decreases. This makes them more susceptible to external damage. Long-term accumulation of injury can lead to cellular mutations and eventually tumor formation. A light, soft, and temperature-appropriate diet is recommended; avoid excessively hot, hard, or spicy foods.

2. Decreased Immunity

In 80-year-olds, immune system function declines, with reduced activity and number of immune cells, impairing the body’s ability to identify and eliminate abnormal mutated cells, thereby increasing the risk of tumor development. It is important to ensure adequate sleep for the elderly, engage in appropriate light physical activities, and maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins.

3. Reflux Esophagitis

Reflux esophagitis is a chronic inflammation caused by the backflow of gastric acid and other digestive juices into the esophagus. Prolonged inflammatory stimulation may lead to dysplastic changes in the esophageal mucosa, potentially resulting in esophageal tumors in elderly individuals. Symptoms often include heartburn, belching, and difficulty swallowing. Patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, mosapride citrate tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets as directed by a physician.

4. Esophageal Diverticula

Esophageal diverticula mainly form when weak areas in the esophageal wall bulge outward due to intraluminal pressure, or when surrounding tissues pull on the esophageal wall. Food retention within these pouches can cause chronic inflammation, which over time may increase the risk of tumor development. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and bad breath. Patients may be prescribed antibiotics such as clarithromycin tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and metronidazole tablets under medical supervision.

5. Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus occurs when long-standing gastroesophageal reflux causes the normal squamous epithelium in the lower esophagus to be replaced by columnar epithelium. The columnar epithelium is more prone to metaplasia, atypical hyperplasia, and ultimately malignant transformation into cancer. Symptoms may include retrosternal pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as cimetidine injection, nizatidine dispersible tablets, and itopride tablets.

Eighty-year-old individuals should pay special attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding unhealthy eating habits, and undergoing regular health check-ups to help prevent the development of esophageal tumors.