The short answer
Sometimes eating enough by mouth is not possible — for example with head and neck cancers or severe mouth and throat problems. A feeding tube delivers nutrition directly to the stomach or intestine. It is a supportive tool, often temporary, and your care team and a dietitian guide how it is used and cared for.
A feeding tube (enteral nutrition) delivers nutrition when eating by mouth is not enough.
It is common with head and neck cancers or severe mouth, throat, or swallowing problems.
Tubes can go through the nose (short-term) or through the skin into the stomach (longer-term).
Tube feeding is a supportive tool and is often temporary.
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The full explanation.
What a feeding tube is
A feeding tube provides nutrition — called enteral nutrition — directly into the stomach or small intestine when a person cannot eat or drink enough by mouth. A liquid formula supplies calories, protein, vitamins, and fluid. It is a way to keep nourishment and strength up during treatment, not a sign that treatment is failing, and for many people it is temporary.
Why it might be recommended
Tube feeding is often considered when eating by mouth is too hard or unsafe for a while — for example with cancers of the head and neck or esophagus, severe mouth or throat soreness from radiation, trouble swallowing, or ongoing weight loss despite trying. Keeping nutrition steady can help people tolerate treatment better and avoid interruptions. The decision is made with your team based on your situation.
Types of tubes and what to expect
Short-term feeding often uses a nasogastric tube, which passes through the nose to the stomach. For longer-term needs, a tube may be placed through the skin of the belly directly into the stomach (often called a PEG or G-tube) or the intestine. Formula can be given slowly by pump or in larger amounts at set times. It can feel strange at first, and a dietitian and nurse will teach you how to use and clean the tube and handle common issues.
Living with a feeding tube
Many people still sip or eat small amounts by mouth if their team says it is safe, and some tubes are removed once eating recovers. Keeping the tube and skin clean, following the feeding schedule, and knowing who to call about clogs, leaks, nausea, or the site help things go smoothly. Your care team and dietitian are your main guides for your plan. Everyone's situation is different. This is general information, not advice for you personally — your care team, and an oncology dietitian if one is available, can tailor it to your treatment.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is a feeding tube for?
It delivers liquid nutrition directly to the stomach or intestine when someone cannot eat or drink enough by mouth, keeping calories, protein, and fluid up during treatment.
▸Is a feeding tube permanent?
Often it is temporary — used while eating is hard and removed once eating recovers. Some people need one longer. Your team will explain what is likely for you.
▸What are the main types?
A nasogastric tube through the nose for short-term use, or a tube placed through the belly skin into the stomach (PEG/G-tube) or intestine for longer-term needs.
▸Can I still eat by mouth?
Sometimes, if your team says swallowing is safe, you can sip or eat small amounts alongside tube feeding. Always follow your team's guidance.
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