• About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us
Ask a Doctor
HealthNile.com
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Nutrition
  • E(E)NT
  • General
  • Skin & Hair
  • Fitness
  • Home
  • Nutrition
  • E(E)NT
  • General
  • Skin & Hair
  • Fitness
Ask a Doctor
No Result
View All Result
HealthNile.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Nutrition and Digestive Health

10 Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Janis Svendholm by Janis Svendholm
May 22, 2023
in Nutrition and Digestive Health

The esophagus, a long muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach, plays a crucial role in moving food through the body. Esophageal cancer, which primarily targets the cells lining the esophagus’ interior, can lead to a wide range of problems. As the cancer advances, it has the potential to harm deeper tissues and muscles. Unfortunately, most esophageal cancer cases don’t present any symptoms until the disease has reached a more advanced stage, making early detection and treatment challenging.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is one of the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer. Individuals affected by this condition often experience a sensation of food becoming lodged in their throat or chest, which may even lead to choking. In the early stages, dysphagia tends to be mild, but it is likely to worsen as the cancer progresses. This is because tumors grow within and along the esophagus, causing a narrowing of the passage, making it increasingly difficult to swallow.

Difficulty Swallowing

Unexpected Weight Loss

Many individuals suffering from esophageal cancer experience unintentional weight loss due to various factors. The primary reason is reduced food intake as a result of dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Consequently, they may alter their diets to consume fewer solid foods and more liquids. Also, it is not uncommon for cancer to suppress appetite. Intriguingly, some esophageal cancer patients exhibit an increased metabolism. Research indicates that this may be due to tumor growth directly influencing energy expenditure.

Unexpected Weight Loss

Chest Discomfort

People with esophageal cancer may sometimes experience pain or discomfort in the center of their chest, while others may feel pressure or a burning sensation. However, these sensations are not always direct symptoms of the cancer itself, but rather fringe effects. Common conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease can also cause chest pain and may be symptoms of esophageal cancer. In some cases, an individual with esophageal cancer may have a sensory disorder that results in hypersensitivity of the esophagus. Furthermore, some experts believe that chest pain could be a physical manifestation of anxiety.

Chest Discomfort

Persistent Hiccups

Surprisingly, persistent hiccups may be an indicator of esophageal cancer. While it’s normal for these natural, involuntary diaphragm contractions to occur after eating or consuming certain beverages, frequent hiccups over an extended period could signal a more severe medical issue. Esophageal cancer has the potential to spread from the esophagus to the vagus or phrenic nerves, which control the diaphragm. As the cancer progresses, the frequency of hiccups may increase, making this a noteworthy symptom to watch out for.

Persistent Hiccups

Cough and Hoarseness

Esophageal cancer can lead to symptoms such as persistent coughing and changes in one’s voice, often resulting in hoarseness. The coughing may arise for various reasons, including the damage caused by tumor growth in the esophagus. For some individuals, it may feel like a continuous tickle that is momentarily relieved by coughing. In more severe cases, people might cough up mucus or even blood. Hoarseness typically occurs due to the damage in the esophagus or when the cancer spreads to the laryngeal nerves, which are responsible for the larynx or voice box. Post-surgery hoarseness can also develop as a result of irritation to the laryngeal nerves.

Cough and Hoarseness

Dark Stools and Anemia

People with esophageal cancer may anticipate symptoms in their throat, but they might be less prepared for symptoms that appear elsewhere. It’s important to note that some individuals with this disease experience black stools, which is a result of esophageal bleeding. When this happens, the blood flows down the esophagus, into the stomach and digestive tract, and eventually exits the body with waste, causing the stool to appear discolored. In some instances, the blood loss can be severe enough to lead to anemia.

Dark Stools and Anemia

Bone Aches

Sometimes, individuals with esophageal cancer experience a deep, aching pain that seems to originate from within the body. This is often an indication that the cancer has spread to the bones. Additionally, the disease can result in hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by excessive calcium levels in the blood. This excess calcium is drawn from the bones, significantly weakening them and leading to bone pain, muscle weakness, and depression, among other symptoms.

Bone Aches

Frequent Indigestion

Indigestion is a common symptom experienced by many people with esophageal cancer. The presence of cancer can cause irritation in the stomach and digestive tract, leading to digestive complications. For instance, blood from the esophagus may aggravate the stomach lining. Moreover, individuals who frequently suffer from acid reflux are at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. The progression of this disease often exacerbates symptoms associated with acid reflux, making it increasingly painful and uncomfortable for the patient.

Frequent Indigestion

Lower Back Pain

Although relatively rare, back pain can be a symptom of esophageal cancer. This usually happens when tumors spread to the pericardium and the mediastinum. The pericardium, which surrounds the heart, offers both protection and lubrication, and connects the heart to the mediastinum – the central compartment containing the organ. If cancer reaches either of these structures, the resulting pain can radiate outwards, manifesting as back pain.

Lower Back Pain

Constant Fatigue

Fatigue is a prevalent symptom in most cancer cases, and esophageal cancer is no exception. The impact of this disease on an individual’s life can be immense, as the inability to swallow often leads to poor nutrition, which in turn results in fatigue. Moreover, the potential effects on bones and other bodily structures can contribute to feelings of lethargy and exhaustion. Research has shown that individuals with esophageal cancer who experience lower energy levels and heightened fatigue tend to have worse survival rates. However, it remains unclear whether this correlation is due to overall health or specific variations in the cancer itself.

Constant Fatigue

Want to talk to a Doctor online?

Whether you have concerns about symptoms discussed in this article or your general health, trained Doctors have the answers!

Ask A Doctor

Previous Post

12 Signs of Gout

Next Post

What are Lung Nodules?

Janis Svendholm

Janis Svendholm

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.

Next Post
Spotting the Signs of Lung Nodules

What are Lung Nodules?

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
How to Cure Shingles in 3 Days

How to Cure Shingles in 3 Days

May 22, 2023
Distinctive Skin Rash

Lyme Disease – 10 Signs To Watch For

May 22, 2023
How to Get Rid of a Stye

How To Get Rid Of A Stye

May 22, 2023
How to Get Rid of Mucus in the Throat

How to Get Rid of Mucus in Throat

May 22, 2023
How to Get Rid of a Stye

How To Get Rid Of A Stye

0
How to Clear a Stuffy Nose

How to Clear a Stuffy Nose

0
How to Get Hair Dye off Skin

How to Get Hair Dye Off Skin

0
How to Clean Your Ears

How to Clean Your Ears

0
Experiencing Pain While Walking

10 Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

May 22, 2023
Weakness

Symptoms of Low Potassium

May 22, 2023
Swelling in the Abdomen

10 Symptoms of Liver Cancer

May 22, 2023
Side Pain

10 Symptoms of Kidney Cysts

May 22, 2023

Recent News

Experiencing Pain While Walking

10 Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

May 22, 2023
Weakness

Symptoms of Low Potassium

May 22, 2023
Swelling in the Abdomen

10 Symptoms of Liver Cancer

May 22, 2023
Side Pain

10 Symptoms of Kidney Cysts

May 22, 2023
HealthNile.com

© 2023 HealthNile.com - Health and wellness news, guides & information" HealthNile.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website does not in any way replace professional healthcare consultation, assessment, or treatment. All components of this site, encompassing text, visuals, images, and other data, presented or accessible via this online platform, are purely for general knowledge dissemination. The data and resources presented within these web pages, along with the terms, conditions, and descriptions that occur, are susceptible to modifications without any prior notification.

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 HealthNile.com - Health and wellness news, guides & information" HealthNile.