digestive disorders
Esophageal Cancer
Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
Early-stage esophageal cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the growing cancer narrows the esophagus, the first symptom of esophageal cancer is usually Difficulty Swallowing solid foods. Several weeks later, swallowing soft foods and then liquids and saliva becomes difficult. Weight loss is common, even when the person continues to eat well. People may have chest pain, which feels like it travels to their back. As the cancer progresses, it commonly invades various nerves and other tissues and organs. The tumor may compress the nerve that controls the vocal cords, which can lead to hoarseness. Compression of surrounding nerves may cause spinal pain, paralysis of the diaphragm, and hiccups. The cancer usually spreads to the lungs, where it may cause shortness of breath, and to the liver, where it may cause fever and abdominal swelling. Spread to bones may cause pain. Spread to the brain may cause headache, confusion, and seizures. Spread to the intestines may cause vomiting, blood in the stool, and Iron Deficiency Anemia . Spread to the kidneys often causes no symptoms. In late stages, the cancer may completely block the esophagus. Swallowing becomes impossible, so secretions build up in the mouth, which can be very distressing. 