What esophageal cancer looks like?

Early cancers can look like small round bumps or flat, raised areas (called plaques), while advanced cancers look like large irregular areas and can cause narrowing of the inside of the esophagus.

What was your first esophageal cancer symptom?

Typically, the first symptom of cancer that develops in the esophagus is difficulty swallowing, which may feel as if food is stuck in the throat and may lead to choking. Although this symptom is often mild to start, as the tumor grows, it generally worsens and may eventually lead to an inability to swallow liquid.

Where is esophageal cancer usually located?

Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Your esophagus helps move the food you swallow from the back of your throat to your stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus.

What is the most common presenting symptom of esophageal cancer?

Trouble swallowing The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is a problem swallowing (called dysphagia). It can feel like the food is stuck in the throat or chest, and can even cause someone to choke on their food.

Can you feel esophageal cancer?

Someone with esophageal cancer may experience pain in the middle of the chest that feels like pressure or burning. This discomfort can often be confused with other problems, such as heartburn, so it is difficult to recognize it as a symptom.

Do you feel ill with esophageal cancer?

The most common symptom is feeling tired and unwell. Other symptoms depend on where the cancer is in the body. You might have problems swallowing and some weight loss if the cancer is in the food pipe. Some people have pain in the area of the cancer but painkillers can usually help this.

Can you smell esophageal cancer?

The test looks for chemical compounds in exhaled breath that are unique to patients with esophageal and gastric cancer. The cancers produce a distinctive smell of volatile organic compounds (VOC), chemicals that contain carbon and are found in all living things, which can help doctors detect early signs of the disease.

Does esophageal cancer show up in blood work?

Certain blood tests can also be used to help a physician confirm an esophageal cancer diagnosis. For instance, a blood test can be used to detect anemia or check liver function; esophageal cancer can sometimes cause anemia if the tumor bleeds, and it may impact liver function if the cancer spreads.

What are the warning signs of esophageal cancer?

Esophageal Cancer: Symptoms and Signs

• Difficulty and pain with swallowing, particularly when eating meat, bread, or raw vegetables.
• Pressure or burning in the chest.
• Indigestion or heartburn.
• Vomiting.
• Frequent choking on food.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Coughing or hoarseness.
• Pain behind the breastbone or in the throat.

What are the signs of esophagus problems?

What are the symptoms of esophageal disorders?

• Abdominal pain, chest pain or back pain.
• Chronic cough or sore throat.
• Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is stuck in your throat.
• Heartburn (burning feeling in your chest).
• Hoarseness or wheezing.
• Indigestion (burning feeling in your stomach).

Where is back pain with esophageal cancer?

The symptom people notice first is difficulty swallowing. As the tumor grows, it narrows the opening of the esophagus, making swallowing difficult and/or painful. Other symptoms of esophageal cancer can include: Pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone, or between the shoulder blades.

What does throat cancer breath smell like?

But, he says there are other subtle clues that could also signal oral cancer like persistent bad breath. He explains, “It’s very common that we see people that have a tonsular cancer that we can actually smell the cancer. So they have a very persistent, very strong, kind of a sweet smell to it.