Signs & Symptoms Of Cancer Of The Esophagus

In its early stages, cancer of the esophagus may not present any symptoms at all. That is why it is important to get to a doctor immediately if you begin to experience any of the known symptoms of cancer of the esophagus. It is possible that these symptoms could be the sign of a less dangerous condition, but it is important to be able to rule out cancer when these symptoms do begin to appear.

Swallowing

It is possible for the initial stages of cancer of the esophagus to give no symptoms or signs whatsoever. Over time it may become difficult for the patient to swallow. It can be a tell-tale sign of cancer of the esophagus if the swallowing is difficult even when it comes to liquids.

Painful Symptoms

Over time, the patient may begin to notice pain developing in the front and back of the chest cavity. The pain may feel as though it is originating between the shoulder blades in the back, or it may feel like it is coming just under the breastbone in the chest. The pain may also feel as though it is traveling up the throat regardless of whether it feels like it is originating in the chest or between the shoulder blades.

Cough

Cancer of the esophagus could eventually begin to show symptoms associated with a hoarse and persistent cough. This cough may seem to come on for no reason, and it could last for an abnormally long time. In more advanced and severe cases of cancer of the esophagus this cough may be accompanied by the patient coughing up blood. The coughing could become so persistent that it causes lasting pain in the throat and the chest.

Weight Loss

Whether it be through an inability to eat due to the pain associated with swallowing, or the cancer itself beginning to set in, the patient may begin to experience sudden weight loss. The patient may be evidently losing weight even when they are not on any kind of weight loss program or diet. The patient may even try to put on weight to compensate for the apparent weight loss but will find it difficult to gain any additional weight once the symptoms have begun to appear.

Nausea

As the symptoms present themselves, the patient may begin to experience nausea that could eventually lead to vomiting. In many cases this nausea and vomiting may appear to have no detectable origin.

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