Symptoms of advanced esophageal cancer

In the late stage of esophageal cancer, the symptoms are often more obvious and complicated. The most common symptom is difficulty swallowing. At first, the patient may only feel discomfort when eating solid food, and gradually develop to the point where even liquid food is difficult to swallow. This feeling is like food is "stuck" in the esophagus, which is very painful.

Next, weight loss is also an obvious sign. Due to difficulty swallowing, the patient's appetite will be greatly reduced, and insufficient nutrition intake will lead to rapid weight loss. This situation not only affects the quality of life, but also has a serious impact on the overall health of the body. Weight loss is usually accompanied by weakness and fatigue, making patients feel overwhelmed.

Chest pain and back pain are also common symptoms of advanced esophageal cancer. This pain may be caused by the tumor invading surrounding tissues or nerves. The nature of the pain may be dull or stabbing, and sometimes even radiates to the back. Such pain often worsens after eating, causing patients to suffer in their daily lives.

Another symptom that should not be ignored is hoarseness and persistent cough. This usually indicates that the cancer may have spread to other parts, especially when the tumor compresses or invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can cause hoarseness. Persistent coughing may be caused by the formation of a fistula between the esophagus and the trachea, causing food or liquid to enter the airway by mistake.

In the face of these symptoms, patients and their families should actively communicate with doctors and seek appropriate treatment and support. Although treatment options for advanced esophageal cancer are limited, comprehensive treatment and care can still improve the patient's quality of life. Maintaining an optimistic attitude and good living habits play an important role in the patient's recovery and quality of life.