Esophageal cancer is more common in men than in women. Here are some warning signs that one should be aware of.
Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach). It is one of the common causes of mortality and morbidity not only in India but all over the world. The esophagus helps move food from the pharynx to the stomach for digestion. Esophageal cancer is more common in men than in women.
Factors that lead to this cancer are tobacco use, alcohol use, obesity, unhealthy diet, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and acid reflux. Cancer can develop anywhere in the esophagus and can have a variety of symptoms, but here are some of the more common signs to look out for:
8 Symptoms of esophageal cancer in the throat:
1. Inability to swallow: Esophageal cancer can cause swallowing problems, as the lumen of the esophagus tends to narrow. Initially, the difficulty can be seen in the case of only solid food, but as the disease progresses, one may also have difficulty swallowing liquids.
2. Pain when swallowing food: In case you are trying to eat something and you feel pain when swallowing, be careful as it may be due to esophageal cancer. Therefore, swallowing can be painful when there are ulcerated lesions. This is called odynophagia.
3. Chest pain: Chest pain is one of the common symptoms. The pain may be in the chest or back. This can give you a difficult time.
4. Cough: This type of cancer leads to a constant cough. It is better to consult the doctor without delay.
5. Vomiting, bone pain and weight loss are some of the symptoms that should not be ruled out at all.
6. Fatigue: One may experience tiredness all the time and find it difficult to go about their daily activities with ease.
7. Acidity: It is also seen in patients with esophageal cancer.
8. Coughing up blood can also indicate esophageal cancer.
(Inputs: Dr. Tirathram Kaushik Consultant Oncosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road)
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