Difficulty swallowing occurs in 90% to 95% of people who have symptoms with the disease.
That said, the esophagus is often markedly narrowed before symptoms occur.
Painful Swallowing
Swallowing may also become painful (odynophagia) for around 20% of people.
© Verywell, 2018
This occurs in around 40% of people with esophageal cancer.
Vomiting of food or blood may also occur, especially if a tumor begins to bleed.
Along with burning, some people feel chest pressure and fear they are having a heart attack.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Persistent Cough
Apersistent coughis present in around 20% of people who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
A cough is often dry and annoying and may occur any time of day.
Hoarseness often shows up when a tumor involves a nerve known as the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Excess Saliva
To help pass food through the esophagus, the body makes more saliva.
As it becomes more difficult to swallow, the body produces more saliva to compensate.
Blood from the esophagus and upper digestive tract turns black due to exposure to stomach acid.
Hiccups
Hiccups may occur when an esophageal tumor invades the phrenic nerve or diaphragm.
Irritation of these structures causes these repeated contractions of the diaphragm.
Sometimes, a fracture may occur through an area of weakened bone.
Complications
There are a number of complications that may occur with esophageal cancer.
Some of these occur due to local involvement, such as the narrowing of and/or erosion of the esophagus.
When this occurs, contents from the esophagus can pass directly into the trachea and then the lungs.
When present, a tracheoesophageal fistula usually causes coughing with swallowing and pneumonia.
Treatment may include placing stents in the esophagus and/or trachea.
Newer techniques, such as placing umbrella-shaped valves within thebronchi, may also be considered.
When diagnosed promptly, immediate surgery may sometimes handle the fistula.
When this occurs, it can lead toaspiration pneumonia, a condition that usually requires hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
Options will depend on the situation but may include cautery (burning the bleeding blood vessels).
This may require a feeding tube, placed either through the nose or stomach, to provide nutrition.
Symptoms are your bodys way of alerting you to potential problems.
Talk to your healthcare provider, and if you arent getting answers, ask again.
Being your own advocate can make a big differencesometimes a life-and-death differencein getting the care you need and deserve.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may feel a growth but not realize what it is at the time.
The spread of esophageal cancer depends on the stage of cancer.
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