Complete List of Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are approximately 16,470 newly diagnosed cases of esophageal cancer and 14,530 deaths from this cancer annually. The esophagus is a 10-inch muscular tube that food passes on its way from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the esophagus that clump together and form tumors. These tumors can be noncancerous, also called benign, or cancerous, also called malignant. Metastasis is the medical term used to describe cancer that spreads from its original site to other organs and tissues.

Risk Factors

• Certain risk factors that you may or may not be able to control can increase your potential to develop esophageal cancer. They include being 65 years or older, being male, smoking, heavy drinking, obesity and eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables. The presence of medical conditions like acid reflux or Barrett esophagus can damage the tissue of the esophagus, leading to cancer.

Symptoms

• Esophageal cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stage. Signs and symptoms can include painful swallowing, pain in the back, burning or pressure in the chest, heartburn, hoarseness, hiccups, persistent cough for two weeks and problems swallowing with the feeling that food gets "stuck" in the throat. If the cancer is bleeding, you may see black, tarry stools. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but if you have any, you should contact your physician for an evaluation.

Symptoms Related to Diet

• People with esophageal cancer may have diet changes--such as chewing food more slowly, eating smaller bites and eating softer foods--because of difficulty swallowing. Unintentional weight loss can occur because of a decreased appetite, diet changes and problems swallowing.

Diagnosis

• Your physician will diagnose esophageal cancer based on your signs and symptoms, a physical evaluation and blood tests. Other tests to diagnose esophageal cancer include a barium swallow, endoscopy and a biopsy to test for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only test to confirm that cancer cells are present in the esophagus. Not all tests will be indicated for every person.

Treatment

• Options available for esophageal cancer treatment include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Your physician will discuss which treatment is best for you. Surgery may involve removing part of or the entire esophagus and removal of part of the stomach. Cancer cells are destroyed by radiation, using high-energy rays, and with chemotherapy, using medications.