Symptoms

People with esophageal cancer may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, people with esophageal cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list, please talk with your doctor.

• Difficulty and pain with swallowing, particularly when eating meat, bread, or raw vegetables (As the tumor grows, it can block the pathway to the stomach. Even liquid may be painful to swallow.)
  
  
• Pressure or burning in the chest
  
  
• Indigestion or heartburn
  
  
• Vomiting
  
  
• Frequent choking on food
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
  
• Coughing or hoarseness
  
  
• Pain behind the breastbone or in the throat