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Medical Author:

Robert J Fingerote, MD, MSc, BSc

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Cancer of the Esophagus Symptoms

• Symptoms of esophageal cancer usually do not show up until the disease has reached an advanced stage.



• The most common symptom is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
  
  
  • Initially, swallowing solids is difficult.
  
  
  
  • Over time, even swallowing liquids becomes difficult.


• The following symptoms may accompany cancer of the esophagus. Any of these symptoms are indications of advanced disease and should be considered as a sign to get medical attention.
  
  
  • Weight loss
  
  
  
  • Central chest pain
  
  
  
  • Pain upon swallowing
  
  
  
  • Vomiting
  
  
  
  • Chronic cough
  
  
  
  • Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding
    
    
    • Black stools
    
    
    
    • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds