Symptoms of esophageal cancer
Dysphagia refers to the feeling of pharyngeal or esophageal obstruction and stagnation caused by the obstruction of food from the mouth to the stomach.
It is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. For anyone with dysphagia, it is necessary to determine whether it is caused by cancer as soon as possible.
The feeling of food stagnating during swallowing indicates esophageal dysfunction. Patients often feel sticking, stopping, blocking, and unable to go down. Sometimes they even think this is normal.
If liquid suddenly returns after swallowing food, organic obstruction should be suspected. If the patient can force food to swallow by changing body position, swallowing repeatedly, or drinking liquid, it may be a movement disorder.
Causes of esophageal cancer
Dysphagia continues to worsen over a period of months, indicating that it may be caused by lumen occlusion caused by cancer, or organic esophageal stenosis caused by active peptic esophagitis. Cranial neuropathy can also cause swallowing muscle paralysis and incoordination.
How does esophageal cancer develop
It must be noted that the most common symptom of esophageal cancer is progressive dysphagia that develops within 6 months, and even only liquid food can be taken.
The appearance of obstruction symptoms indicates that the cancer has affected the surrounding walls of the esophagus, which is a sign of advanced cancer. Dysphagia can also be accompanied by fixed severe pain, which is mostly a sign of mediastinal involvement.
Esophageal cancer is more common in male patients over 40 years old. The typical symptom is progressive dysphagia. Most patients can clearly point out that the obstruction site is behind the sternum, which may be accompanied by swallowing pain.
Late-stage patients may have esophageal reflux, which is often mucus-bloody or mixed with alternate meals or alternate days of food.
How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
X-rays show that the local mucosa of the esophagus is thickened or interrupted, irregularly narrow, and sometimes small niches are seen. Gastroscopy biopsy is of great significance for early diagnosis.