Although esophageal cancer is less common in the United States than many other cancers, such as those of the breast and colon, the incidence of esophageal cancer has been on the rise in recent decades.
If you have certain risk factors for esophageal cancer -- particularly Barrett's esophagus -- you may benefit from screening tests such as endoscopy with tissue biopsy. When diagnosed early, esophageal cancer can often be successfully treated. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center offers screening tests for esophageal cancer.
Symptoms of esophageal cancer include:
- difficulty swallowing (a condition called dysphagia), the most common symptom of esophageal cancer, which usually occurs when the cancer has grown large enough to fill about half of the opening of the esophagus
- painful swallowing
- pressure or burning in the chest
- unexplained weight loss
- hoarseness, hiccups, pneumonia, and high levels of calcium in the blood.
Some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. But you should see your doctor if you experience any of them for a long time.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
People who have persistent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should seek help from a physician instead of treating themselves with over-the-counter remedies. Heartburn (acid indigestion) is the most common symptom of GERD. Heartburn usually feels like a burning chest pain starting behind the breastbone and moving upward into the neck and throat. The pain is caused by acids and other irritants from the stomach returning back up into the esophagus.
