For some esophageal cancer patients, the disease may never go away entirely. These patients may require regular treatments to prevent the disease from growing. For others, no further treatment may be necessary. Still, all esophageal cancer survivors are urged to keep up with follow-up visits with their doctor for several years. That way, if the cancer recurs, the disease can be detected and treated early.
Follow-up appointments also offer patients the opportunity to discuss lingering side effects they may be experiencing. For example, many patients struggle with reflux even after treatment.