Recognizing Symptoms

Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Difficult or painful swallowing

• Severe weight loss

• Pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades

• Hoarseness or chronic cough

• Vomiting

• Coughing up blood

These symptoms may be caused by esophageal cancer or by other conditions. It is important to check with a doctor.