Esophageal cancer symptoms

Esophageal cancer symptoms and Signs of esophageal cancer

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is the first symptom in most patients. Odynophagia (painful swallowing) may be present. Fluids and soft foods are usually tolerated, while hard or bulky substances (such as bread or meat) cause much more difficulty. Substantial weight loss is characteristic as a result of poor nutrition and the active cancer. Pain, often of a burning nature, may be severe and worsened by swallowing, and can be spasmodic in character. An early sign may be an unusually husky or raspy voice.

The presence of the tumor may disrupt normal peristalsis (the organised swallowing reflex), leading to nausea and vomiting, regurgitation of food, coughing and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. The tumor surface may be fragile and bleed, causing hematemesis (vomiting up blood). Compression of local structures occurs in advanced disease, leading to such problems as superior vena cava syndrome. Fistulas may develop between the esophagus and the trachea, increasing the pneumonia risk; this symptom is usually heralded by cough, fever or aspiration.

If the disease has spread to elsewhere, this may lead to symptoms related to this: liver metastasis could cause jaundice and ascites, lung metastasis could cause shortness of breath, pleural effusions, etc.

Cancer of the esophagus is most curable when it is diagnosed early. Because early esophageal cancer causes few symptoms, it is often more advanced when the diagnosis is made.

People with esophageal cancer may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, people with esophageal cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other medical conditions. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list, please talk with your doctor.

• Difficulty swallowing, particularly when eating meat, bread, or raw vegetables (As the tumor grows, it can block the pathway to the stomach. Even liquid may be painful to swallow.)


• Pressure or burning in the chest


• Indigestion or heartburn


• Vomiting


• Frequent choking on food


• Weight loss


• Coughing or hoarseness


• Pain behind the breastbone or in the throat