What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer throat

Early throat symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing, foreign body sensation, hoarseness, etc. If these symptoms occur, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The throat symptoms of esophageal cancer usually vary depending on the location and degree of the lesion. Understanding and being alert to related symptoms can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

1) Dysphagia

The most typical early symptom of esophageal cancer is dysphagia, especially when eating dry and hard food. This is due to the stenosis or obstruction of the esophagus caused by the tumor. As the disease progresses, dysphagia will gradually worsen, from difficulty swallowing solid food to even difficulty swallowing liquid food and water. If you feel a "stuck throat" when eating for a long time, you should immediately see a doctor for a gastroscopy.

2) Foreign body sensation in the throat

Some patients may feel a foreign body sensation in their throats early on, similar to a stuck feeling, but this discomfort is not persistent and may be relieved when eating or swallowing. This may be caused by the spread of the tumor to nearby tissues or the impact on nerves. If the foreign body sensation persists, especially with other symptoms, be alert to the possibility of esophageal lesions.

3) Hoarseness

When esophageal cancer has developed to the point where it compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve, hoarseness may occur. This symptom usually occurs in the late stages, but if hoarseness is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or other throat discomfort, especially if there is no upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold, it is necessary to check as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of tumor compression.

4) Pain behind the sternum or in the throat

Some patients may experience mild pain behind the sternum or in the pharyngeal area, especially when swallowing. This pain may become more pronounced and constant as the tumor grows. This symptom may be related to ulceration of the tumor in the esophagus or irritation of the surrounding nerves.

5) Other related symptoms

Other possible symptoms include frequent choking after eating, weight loss, and indigestion, which may also be warning signs of esophageal cancer. If the throat discomfort persists and is accompanied by the above symptoms, you should see a doctor in time.

Recommended actions

The throat symptoms caused by esophageal cancer may not be typical in the early stage, but if you have difficulty swallowing, foreign body sensation or hoarseness, do not ignore it. You should go to the hospital as soon as possible for gastroscopy, esophageal barium meal and other related examinations. Early esophageal cancer can be treated by endoscopic resection, while in the middle and late stages, it may require surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatments. At the same time, prevention requires staying away from tobacco and alcohol, eating less hot or pickled foods, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Any throat discomfort should not be delayed, and medical examination is the key.