How to detect esophageal cancer early

Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus. The human esophagus refers to the tube connecting the stomach and pharynx, which is about 25m~30m long. Its main function is to transfer food from the throat to the stomach. When food enters the throat, it triggers the swallowing reflex action. When the esophagus becomes cancerous, it will affect the swallowing function of the esophagus and there will be other symptoms. In principle, esophageal cancer can be detected in the early stages as long as you are vigilant.

Data confirm that if esophageal cancer patients are not treated, their survival period is only about one year from the onset of dysphagia. However, from the initial onset of the disease, their survival period is more than four years. If they can be treated early, they can generally live a normal life like ordinary people. Therefore, early detection is particularly important.

There are certain signs of early esophageal cancer, mainly reflected in adverse reactions during eating. This is because the esophagus itself is relatively narrow. When esophageal cancer occurs, the tumor will cause the esophageal passage to narrow, and it will be difficult to swallow food. In the early stage, it is generally a slight or occasional choking feeling when swallowing food, or a needle-like or friction pain behind the sternum and the pit of the stomach.

In addition, patients may also feel dryness in the throat and tightness in the neck, and sometimes a feeling of stuffiness and discomfort behind the sternum. This may be related to the compression of the related nerves by the tumor. Even if they are not eating, they may feel a foreign body in the esophagus.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should go to the hospital for examination and receive treatment immediately if any lesions are found.