What are the early symptoms of esophageal cancer?
Disease description:
Last month, I experienced indigestion and vomiting, which I initially thought were symptoms of a cold. However, my symptoms did not improve with medication. Now, I have mild difficulty swallowing water. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with early-stage esophageal cancer. What are the early symptoms of esophageal cancer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Dahai
Early symptoms of esophageal cancer include retrosternal discomfort, a burning sensation, pricking or pulling pain, slowed passage of food during swallowing, and a sensation of food retention. Mild dysphagia (a feeling of “catching” or “sticking”) may occur, which typically resolves once the food is swallowed. Importantly, this sensation is unrelated to the nature of the food; some individuals even experience it while drinking water. Early symptoms may fluctuate in severity and duration, and some patients may remain entirely asymptomatic.
