Esophageal cancer can be difficult to detect early on because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until a tumor gets big enough to interfere with swallowing.
Esophageal Cancer Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
When to See Your Provider if You Have Symptoms
See your primary care provider (PCP) if you:
- Have trouble swallowing
- Have pain with swallowing
- Frequently choke on food
Difficulty swallowing may start with foods like meat, bread or raw vegetables, but as a tumor grows, even liquids may be painful to swallow.
Other early warning signs of esophageal cancer may be the same or similar to medical conditions that are not cancer. See your PCP if you experience any of these other potential signs for a prolonged period:
- Pressure or burning in your chest
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain behind your breastbone or in your throat
"Esophageal cancers are hard to catch early. Often the first noticeable symptom is that the tumor is causing a blockage, making it hard to swallow. ”
― Dr. Jing Zeng, Fred Hutch radiation oncologist and esophageal cancer expert
Esophageal Cancer Symptoms and Signs FAQ
Esophageal cancer starts when cells in the esophagus grow out of control. Normally, cells in the body grow and multiply to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells get old or damaged, they die and are replaced. Sometimes, this normal process breaks down. Abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t, forming tumors. Some tumors are cancer, and others are benign (noncancerous).
Esophageal cancer spreads by growing into, or invading, nearby tissues, including the open space inside your esophagus or underlying layers of the esophageal wall. If the cancer cells invade nearby lymph nodes or blood vessels, they can travel through the lymph or blood to distant parts in the body. Then they can form new tumors in these places.
When physicians and scientists talk about cancer survival rates, they typically mean the percentage of people expected to survive their cancer for at least five years after being diagnosed. (The rate doesn’t include the risk of dying during that time for some other reason.)
This rate comes from looking at a large, varied group of people. The chance of surviving cancer at least five years can vary greatly from one person to another. It depends on many factors, like how far the cancer has spread. Your Fred Hutch care team can explain how statistics like survival rates might apply to you.