Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Early cancers of the esophagus have no definite symptoms. In most cases Esophageal cancer is discovered because of advanced symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing.

Most people with esophageal cancer believe their symptoms are due to indigestion or heartburn, however the most common symptom of esophageal cancer is trouble swallowing and problems with swallowing can get worse as a tumor grows.

At first, esophageal cancer may be noticeable when eating dry solid foods such as meat, bread, or raw vegetables. As the tumor grows however the pathway to the stomach becomes narrower and other foods, even liquids, may be hard to swallow.

Esophageal cancer can also cause:

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Vomiting
• Choking on food
• Weight loss.
• Hoarseness when swallowing
• Coughing when swallowing
• Pain behind the breastbone or in the throat
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• A lump on the neck, collarbone, or under their arm