Esophagus Cancer Symptoms

Esophagus cancer often gives complaints only when the tumor has been around for some time and has often expanded. That is why esophageal cancer is almost never detected early.

The chance of recovery is greater if the tumor is detected early. That is why it is important to recognize the esophagus cancer symptoms well.

The following symptoms may be caused by esophagus cancer:

Difficulty swallowing
You may feel that there is a gag in your throat when swallowing. In the beginning, it is only with solid food. Later it can also become difficult to swallow liquid food.

The food is stuck or does not want to go through the esophagus
Usually, these complaints start with solid food. Another word that doctors use for this is passage complaints.

Lose weight
If eating and swallowing go less well, you may eat mostly liquid things. In liquid food, there are usually fewer nutrients than in solid food. Here you can lose weight. You can also lose weight because you are less hungry or because the tumor uses a lot of energy.

Fatigue and dizziness
If the lining of the esophagus is damaged by the tumor, small bleeding can occur in the esophagus. You often do not notice this. However, blood loss can ultimately lead to anemia. This makes you tired and dizzy.

Black stools (rarely)
If the lining of the esophagus is damaged by the tumor, small bleeding can occur in the esophagus. Black stools can be a sign of blood loss in the esophagus.

The problem with some of these symptoms is that they do not only occur in esophageal cancer. They can also be caused by other disorders of the esophagus or stomach. Nevertheless, it is good to go to your doctor if you can not find an explanation of the symptoms.

*Image source : Cancer Solutions

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Kanker.nl
3. American Cancer Society