In cancer-related dysphagia, which intervention can palliate obstruction?

• A. Stent placement to relieve obstruction
• B. Routine chemotherapy only
• C. No intervention
• D. Immediate gastrectomy

Answer: (C)

When cancer causes esophageal obstruction, the goal is to relieve the blockage to restore safe swallowing and improve nutrition. Reopening a narrowed esophageal lumen with a stent directly addresses the mechanical obstruction, often providing rapid, reliable relief of dysphagia and enabling better oral intake and quality of life.

Chemotherapy, while it can shrink tumor over time, is not an immediate fix for a blocked esophagus and may not quickly relieve swallowing difficulties. Doing nothing leaves the obstruction untreated, continuing symptoms and malnutrition. An immediate gastrectomy is an extensive operation that doesn’t target the obstructed esophagus and carries high risk, making it a poor palliative option for dysphagia.