{"id":1475,"date":"2018-04-25T07:06:14","date_gmt":"2018-04-25T07:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=1475"},"modified":"2021-10-11T02:44:41","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T02:44:41","slug":"8-unusual-esophageal-cancer-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/8-unusual-esophageal-cancer-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Unusual Esophageal Cancer Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The esophagus is a long, hollow muscular tube that runs through the throat to the stomach, connecting the two together. It moves the food that or drinks that you swallow from the back of your throat down to your stomach so that they can be digested. Like all other parts of the body, the esophagus can be affected by cancer.<\/p>\n

Cancer in the esophagus usually starts in the cells that line the esophagus and it can occur in any part. Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. It\u2019s more common in men than women, though women are still susceptible. Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells that line the esophagus start to develop mutations in their DNA, which causes cells to grow and divide rapidly.<\/p>\n

The earlier esophageal cancer is diagnosed, the better the recovery rate, so it\u2019s important to be aware of the symptoms.<\/p>\n

1. Difficulty swallowing<\/h3>\n

One of the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer<\/a> is difficulty with swallowing. You might feel pain when you swallow or you could feel as if you have food stuck in your throat or chest. You might even end up choking on your food whenever you try to swallow. The term used to describe difficulty swallowing is dysphagia.<\/p>\n

In the beginning stages of esophageal cancer, dysphagia is usually mild, but as the condition worsens, the opening in the esophagus shrinks, making it more difficult to swallow. Certain foods can be particularly difficult to swallow, such as meat, bread, and cheese. If the condition is bad enough, you may stop eating solid food completely and instead eat only liquefied foods. If you are having a hard time swallowing your food or feel like food gets stuck in your throat, seek medical care as soon as you possibly can.<\/p>\n

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2. Unexplained weight loss<\/h3>\n

Many people desire to lose weight; however, if you aren\u2019t dieting and exercising, yet you are losing weight, there\u2019s a very good chance that an underlying medical condition is responsible for the weight loss. There are several conditions that can lead to unexplained weight loss, such as autoimmune disease or a hyperactive thyroid<\/a>; however, cancer of the esophagus can also cause unexpected and unexplained weight loss.<\/p>\n

There are a few reasons why this illness can cause weight loss; for instance, you may experience difficulty swallowing, which could prevent you from eating as much as you normally would. The condition could also increase metabolism, which could also lead to weight loss. If you notice that your clothing is fitting looser and that the numbers on the scale are dropping, esophageal cancer could be to blame. The earlier it\u2019s caught, the better your outcome and recovery will be.\"\"<\/p>\n

3. Feeling like something is stuck in the throat<\/h3>\n

Many patients who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer report that they feel as if they have something lodged in their throats. It\u2019s a very common symptom of this type of cancer and the reason is directly related to how cancer changes the structure of the esophagus. When healthy, the esophagus<\/a> is a hollow tube that allows food to pass through easily.<\/p>\n

However, when cancer develops, the mutant cells reproduce rapidly and can change the structure of the esophagus. Over time, the accumulated cells will collect and make the esophagus narrower. As a result, you could end up feeling as if you have something lodged in your throat. There are other conditions that can cause you to feel like you have something in your throat, such as postnasal drip or swollen tonsils; however, esophageal cancer could be to blame. \"\"<\/p>\n

4. Chronic acid indigestion<\/h3>\n

Indigestion creates a burning sensation<\/a> in the chest right near the heart, hence the reason why it\u2019s often referred to as heartburn. There are several factors that can lead to heartburn. Some common causes of acid indigestion include ulcers, taking certain medications, and pregnancy; however, heartburn can also be a symptom that is associated with esophageal cancer.<\/p>\n

Food passes from the mouth and moves down the throat and into the stomach by way of the esophagus. Depending on where the cancer is located in the esophagus, stomach acids can work their way up into the esophagus, which can result in a burning sensation in the chest. If you find that you are experiencing frequent bouts of heartburn, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Though something else could be to blame, there is a chance that esophageal cancer is responsible. \"\"<\/p>\n

5. A chronic cough<\/h3>\n

Another symptom of esophageal cancer that many people overlook and think is associated with something else is a chronic cough. While it is true that a chronic cough can be associated with several medical conditions, such as a common cold, bronchitis<\/a>, allergies, or any other upper respiratory infection, it can also be a sign of esophageal cancer.<\/p>\n

If you find that you are having bouts of heavy coughing after swallowing, the chances that your cough is related to cancer in the esophagus could be high. Since the esophagus is located in the throat, when cancer develops in this part of the body, it can irritate the throat. In an effort to clear your throat, you may end up coughing, and the cough may be beyond your control. Though there are several conditions that can cause a chronic cough, it is worth seeing a doctor rule out esophageal cancer. \"\"<\/p>\n

6. Pain in the chest<\/h3>\n

There are so many conditions that can cause pain in the chest, and esophageal cancer is one of them. The pain may be greater while you are eating or after you eat; however, it can occur at any time. The cause of the pain has to do with the location of the esophagus. It passes through the upper portion of the chest and if it is damaged by cancer, it can lead to pain in the upper chest.<\/p>\n

Tumors<\/a> that are associated with cancer can also result in spasms in the esophagus, which can also contribute to pain in the chest. Depending on the size of the size and location of the tumor, the pain could also extend to the back or even up the right arm. If you are experiencing any unexplained pain in your chest, seek medical care as soon as possible. \"\"<\/p>\n

7. Changes in the voice<\/h3>\n

Yet another symptom that is often associated with esophageal cancer changes to the voice; most notable, the voice may become a horse. The reason? \u2013 Depending on where the tumors are located, they can press up against the voice box, thus changing the tone of your voice and making it difficult to get your words out. Furthermore, as the disease progresses, the opening in the esophagus narrows.<\/p>\n

This narrowing can constrict the voice box and cause changes in your voice. As the condition worsens, the changes in your voice will likely become worse and will be a more common occurrence. Though there are several reasons why the voice can become hoarse, such as a cold<\/a>, the flue, or simply overextending the vocal cords, esophageal cancer could definitely be to blame. If hoarseness is chronic and seems to be getting worse, you should have a physical examination. <\/p>\n

\"\"8. Changes to the stool<\/h3>\n

This may seem like an unusual symptom associated with esophageal cancer, but it is actually quite common. Many patients who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer experience black colored stools that have a tarry appearance.<\/p>\n

The tumors that develop in the esophagus can bleed. This blood can work its way down into the stomach and through the rest of the digestive tract<\/a>. When it reaches the intestines, it mixes with stool, changing its color and texture. As the stool exits the body, it has a noticeably darker and tar-like appearance. There are several reasons why the color and appearance of stool can change, including foods you are eating and medications that you may be taking; however, if your stools appear black and have a tar-like texture and their appearance doesn\u2019t improve, it could be caused by cancer in the esophagus, so see a doctor.<\/p>\n\r\n

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