Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative aimed to increase awareness about esophageal cancer. More common in men than in women, Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in tissues lining the esophagus, a hollow, muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The two main types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the esophagus lining, and adenocarcinoma originates in cells that produce mucus.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer is critical for early detection and effective treatment. Signs and symptoms can differ for each patient, that’s why it’s important to contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
- Trouble swallowing or the feeling of food getting stuck
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness in the voice
- Chronic cough
- Vomiting
- Indigestion or sour acid taste in the back of the throat
- Blood in sputum
- Bleeding into the esophagus
Treatments for Esophageal Cancer
Treatments for esophageal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. There are also many clinical trials being conducted to advance esophageal cancer research and treatment.
Sources:
American Cancer Society: Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer