Other symptoms may also include fever, vomiting, and weight loss. If esophageal cancer is found, the affected patient will require surgery and chemotherapy. If the esophagus becomes inflamed, patients may also undergo a gastrostomy, a feeding tube inserted through the skin to provide direct access to the stomach.
People with esophageal cancer will experience a persistent cough, which can occur at any time of day or night. The cough will often be more severe after eating, but it may also occur at other times. A large esophageal tumor may cause a hoarse voice, which can be an early sign of esophageal cancer. A patient with dysphagia will often have a change in their eating habits and may vomit blood.
Another symptom of esophageal cancer is a persistent cough. About 20 percent of individuals with esophageal cancer experience a chronic cough. The cough may be dry and intermittent or may be dry and accompanied by fever. In some cases, the cough may be triggered by eating. In some cases, the cough may be the only symptom, or it could be the initial symptom. In some cases, hoarseness may occur, especially if a tumor is present.
In about 20% of patients with esophageal cancer, swallowing can become painful. As the cancer grows, the food or liquid is unable to pass through the tumor. As the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the symptoms of esophageal cancer can vary. Depending on where it has spread to, the patient may experience difficulty breathing, paralysis, or even bone pain. In addition to pain while swallowing, they may also experience vomiting and hiccups.
For people with stage I, III, and IV esophageal cancer, the pain may last for more than a week. Most people may also experience difficulty swallowing during the first few months, but it may be the first symptom. Other symptoms can include nausea and vomiting. A cough that doesn’t go away may also be a sign of esophageal cancer. For patients with stage IV esophageal cancer, there are more symptoms.
The pain experienced when swallowing may be caused by other underlying health problems. The symptoms of esophageal cancer may be related to other conditions, such as a peptic ulcer or a blockage. For those with stage I, however, the pain will only be mild and will not affect the ability to swallow. The patient will need a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. It is important to see a doctor at the earliest possible time to ensure that the tumor has been removed completely.
People with stage I esophageal cancer may experience shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing. The pain may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the neck and above the collarbone. Some people may experience tenderness and pain over their bones. If the tumor has spread to the pericardium, it can lead to confusion and hypercalcemia. As the cancer progresses, it can travel to other parts of the body, including the lungs and the heart.
In addition to chest pain and difficulty swallowing, people with esophageal cancer may experience a range of other symptoms as well. They may experience abdominal pain, abnormal enlargement of the liver, a feeling of choking or an intense feeling of burning in the middle of the chest. They may also have trouble swallowing or have a decreased appetite. These are all possible signs of esophageal cancer.
