Although rare, esophageal cancer most frequently affects men, smokers and those who chronically use alcohol, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. The esophagus is the tube that transfers food from the mouth to the stomach, which sits directly behind the trachea, or windpipe. Early acid-induced esophageal cancer is usually asymptomatic, or without symptoms, except for the recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, the American Cancer Society notes. This acid reflux, if untreated, can lead to esophageal cancer.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing beverages or solid foods may be a sign of esophageal cancer, according to MedlinePlus. Tumors, or cancerous lesions, within the esophagus can narrow the tube, which will block the passage of swallowed food. Pain with swallowing is a symptom as well as a feeling that the food is sticking in the chest.
Acid and Food Reflux
Chronic heartburn may lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus, or a precancerous state of the esophagus. GERD symptoms, such as acid regurgitation and chest pain, may become amplified with the presence of a cancer in the esophagus. If regurgitation of food and liquids follows the acid regurgitation, or chest pain occurs immediately after eating or swallowing, this may be indicative of advancement from Barrett's esophagus to cancer.
Vomiting Blood
An ominous sign of acid-induced esophageal cancer is the regurgitation of bright red blood, MedlinePlus notes. Tumors in the esophagus can lead to esophageal varices, or engorged veins of the esophagus that can rupture and bleed profusely. The vomiting of fresh blood indicates damage to the esophageal tissues and requires immediate treatment.
Chronic Hoarseness
Having a hoarse voice may be the result of a recent cold or infection. However, chronic hoarseness, lasting two or more weeks, in the absence of a cold in someone with GERD may be a symptom of esophageal cancer. Chronic, untreated acid reflux can regurgitate into other structures including the trachea, where the larynx, or voicebox, sits. This chronic bathing of the larynx in stomach acid can damage the vocal chords and cause a hoarse or raspy voice.
