The esophagus is a 10-inch tube that brings food from the mouth to the stomach to be digested. The National Institute of Cancer reports that esophageal cancer is more common in men in the United States, with 13,000 new diagnoses in men each year, and 3,500 in women. Esophageal cancer results when cells of the inner lining of the esophagus (mucosa), the mucus-producing glands of the esophagus (submucosa), or the muscle layer become cancerous. There are multiple possible symptoms associated with this type of cancer.
Difficulty Swallowing
Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports early esophageal cancer may have no symptoms. The earliest detectable symptom is often difficulty in swallowing solid food. This symptom is caused by the narrowing of the esophagus due to growth of the cancerous cells. As the cancer progresses, it may become more and more difficult to swallow food. The difficulty will spread from solid foods to soft foods, then to liquids. It may even become difficult to swallow saliva. The National Cancer Institute reports that swallowing may not just be difficult, but may also be painful.
Pain
According to the National Cancer Institute, another symptom of esophageal cancer is pain caused by persistent heartburn. Many people also feel pain in the chest, and it may feel as if the pain is radiating into the back.
Homer's Syndrome
Merck Manuals reports that Homer's syndrome is defined as the symptoms that result from the cancer cells invading the nerves that signal between the eyes and the brain. According to Merck Manuals, the symptoms of Homer's syndrome include drooping of the upper eyelid, small pupils and the skin of the affected side may sweat less. This syndrome can occur in esophageal cancer because the nerves that connect the brain and the eyes come down from the eyes through the chest, and back up toward the brain through the carotid artery.
Voice Symptoms
According to the National Cancer Institute, the cancerous cells may attach themselves to the vocal cords, causing hoarseness or a persistent cough. Coughing caused by esophageal cancer differs from a normal respiratory infection in that it lasts longer than two weeks. The cancer may also induce persistent hiccups, according to Merck Manuals.
Other Symptoms
Merck Manuals reports that other symptoms are possible with esophageal cancer due to its spread to other tissues. These include intestinal symptoms, causing vomiting, iron deficiency and bloody stool; spreading to the brain may cause headache, seizures or dementia; spreading to the lungs may cause breathlessness and further coughing.
