What is the most common presenting symptom of esophageal cancer?
Dysphagia alone or with unintentional weight loss is the most common presenting symptom, although esophageal cancer is often asymptomatic in early stages. Physicians should have a low threshold for evaluation with endoscopy if any symptoms are present.
What are symptoms of stage 1 esophageal cancer?
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer are weight loss and painful or difficult swallowing.
- Painful or difficult swallowing.
- Weight loss.
- Pain behind the breastbone.
- Hoarseness and cough.
- Indigestion and heartburn.
- A lump under the skin.
What are the symptoms of advanced esophageal cancer?
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Weight loss without trying.
- Chest pain, pressure or burning.
- Worsening indigestion or heartburn.
- Coughing or hoarseness.
Is Stage 1 esophageal cancer curable?
In one clinical study from Japan, the 5-year survival rate for patients with stage I esophageal cancer was 86% following endoscopic surgical resection. In another study from Japan, the average survival for 6 patients treated with surgery alone was 15 years. To learn more, go to Surgery and Cancer of the Esophagus.
How quickly can esophageal cancer develop?
Esophageal cancer grows slowly and may grow for many years before the symptoms are felt. However, once the symptoms develop, esophageal cancer progresses rapidly. As the tumor grows, it can seep into the deep tissues and organs near the esophagus.
What are the signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer?
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Weight loss without trying. Chest pain, pressure or burning. Worsening indigestion or heartburn. Coughing or hoarseness.
What to do if you have stage IV esophageal cancer?
Patients who cannot have surgery because they have other serious health problems are usually treated with chemoradiation. Stage IV esophageal cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or to other distant organs. In general, these cancers are very hard to get rid of completely, so surgery to try to cure the cancer is usually not a good option.
When to use chemoradiation for esophageal cancer?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (chemoradiation) may be recommended after surgery if there are signs that all of the cancer may not have been removed. T2 cancers: For patients with cancers that have invaded the muscularis propia (T2 tumors), treatment with chemoradiation is often given before surgery.
Can a person with esophageal cancer lose weight?
Weight loss. About half of people with esophageal cancer lose weight (without trying to). This happens because their swallowing problems keep them from eating enough to maintain their weight. Other factors include a decreased appetite and an increase in metabolism from the cancer.