What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer troubles many friends and brings considerable harm to patients, thus affecting their diet. We should learn more about esophageal cancer and need to have a thorough understanding of the symptoms of the disease. Here we will introduce the symptoms of esophageal cancer.

1. Pain behind the sternum. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include pain behind the sternum, which can sometimes radiate to the back or throat. Pain behind the sternum or chest discomfort is also a common symptom. This is because the cancer has invaded the esophageal wall. Severe pain indicates that the cancer has invaded or compressed the pleura or nerves.

2. Reflux. If the tumor is located higher, esophageal reflux often occurs when swallowing difficulties worsen. Then food can flow back to the throat, which is a symptom of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia. After several months of dysphagia, the patient's dysphagia gradually develops into food obstruction, the main feature of which is persistent and progressive dysphagia. At the beginning, there is only a sense of discomfort or obstruction when food passes. At the beginning, solid food cannot be swallowed, and only liquid food can be taken later. In the end, it may even be completely impossible to eat or present obstructive vomiting after eating. The location of the patient's obstruction feeling generally corresponds to the location of the tumor.

3. Dehydration. Symptoms of esophageal cancer in the late stage include severe dehydration, weight loss, anemia and other cachexia symptoms. Hoarseness. Hoarseness of varying degrees may occur; when the phrenic nerve is invaded, or the tumor invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hiccups or diaphragmatic paralysis may occur; when the tumor grows to the point of compressing the trachea, shortness of breath and dry cough may occur; when the aorta is eroded, heavy bleeding may occur; when esophageal tracheal or esophageal bronchial fistula occurs, choking and respiratory distress may often occur when swallowing liquids or eating, which are also symptoms of esophageal cancer.

Epidemiological surveys have confirmed that malnutrition is related to esophageal cancer. Protein deficiency can cause esophageal mucosal hyperplasia, which is prone to malignant transformation; fat deficiency can hinder the absorption of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, affecting health and reducing immune function. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. The former cannot replace the latter, because a large number of vitamins and trace elements are often destroyed during cooking. Drinking tea should be encouraged. Green tea can prevent cancer and is beneficial to cardiovascular diseases. However, it is not recommended to drink heavily. It is best to "taste" it and drink it effectively in small amounts and multiple times. Do not drink it or be cautious when you are pregnant, breastfeeding, fever, bleeding, or suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, patients should also pay attention to their mentality. Maintaining a good mentality to face cancer and rationally choosing treatment institutions and treatment methods are the first choice for patients.

After clearly understanding the above knowledge, we have some understanding of the symptoms caused by esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is very complex and common in life, and it will cause considerable damage to the patient's esophageal health. Therefore, friends need to have a clear understanding of the knowledge of the disease and must know more about the symptoms of this disease.