People with esophageal cancer may have symptoms. Some people who have early-stage disease do not have many symptoms, which means the cancer may not be detected right away. Symptoms may include:
- Food sticks in the esophagus and will not pass all the way to the stomach; you may choke or vomit up food that becomes stuck,
- Painful swallowing,
- Pain in the chest or back,
- Weight loss,
- Fatigue,
- Heartburn and/or
- Coughing or hoarseness.
These symptoms may be caused by esophageal cancer or by other health conditions. Testing is done to make a diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.
