Which “three symptoms” should be associated with esophageal cancer

If people find the following three symptoms in their lives, they should pay attention to esophageal cancer:

① Dysphagia. Progressive dysphagia is the main symptom of most esophageal cancer patients when they seek medical treatment, but it is a late manifestation of esophageal cancer. Because the esophageal wall is elastic and has the ability to expand, dysphagia will only occur when about 2/3 of the circumference of the esophagus is infiltrated by the tumor. The condition usually worsens gradually over a few months, from being unable to swallow solid food to being unable to swallow liquid food. If the tumor is accompanied by esophageal wall inflammation, edema, spasm, etc., dysphagia may be aggravated.

② Food reflux often occurs when swallowing difficulties worsen. The reflux volume is not large and contains food and mucus, and may also contain blood and pus.

③Other symptoms. When the tumor compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it may cause hoarseness. When it invades the phrenic nerve, it may cause hiccups or phrenic nerve paralysis. When it compresses the trachea or bronchi, it may cause shortness of breath and dry cough. When it erodes the aorta, it may cause fatal bleeding.