Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Signs of esophageal cancer are often not apparent in its early stages. If you have symptoms, they may include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). As an esophageal tumor grows, it may start to block the passage of food. This is often the first symptom of esophageal cancer to appear.
• Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
• Indigestion and heartburn over long periods of time
• Pain, pressure or burning in the throat or chest
• Unintended weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Black tar-like stools
• Anemia, or low levels of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to patients feeling run-down and weak.
• Vomiting
• Regurgitation of food from the esophagus
• Persistent hiccups
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness
• Pneumonia

These symptoms do not always mean you have esophageal cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.

Learn more about esophageal cancer:

• Esophageal cancer diagnosis
• Esophageal cancer treatment