Esophageal Cancer: Symptoms

Esophageal cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages, when it's small and hasn't spread. When this cancer does cause symptoms, they're often like those you might have with other health issues, such as indigestion.

Early symptoms of esophageal cancer might be:

• Trouble swallowing. Swallowing dry solid foods, such as meat, bread, or raw vegetables may be especially hard.
• Pain when swallowing
• Pressure or burning in your chest (behind your breastbone)
• A feeling that food is stuck in your throat
• Weight loss without trying
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Frequent choking

As esophageal cancer gets worse and the tumor grows, symptoms can become more severe. You may have:

• Trouble swallowing liquids.
• Trouble swallowing saliva.
• Hoarseness.
• Coughing.
• Vomiting after eating.
• Blood in vomit or black stool, which is caused by bleeding in the esophagus.
• Tiredness.

Many of these symptoms can be caused by other health problems. It's important to see a doctor if you have these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell if you have esophageal cancer or some other problem that may need to be treated.