Early identification of diseases is particularly critical in the quest for health. Esophageal cancer, a disease that is often overlooked in its early stages, poses a life-threatening threat to many people. Its insidiousness can often be unexpected, but subtle changes may be a wake-up call. The early symptoms of this cancer, although not significant, are by no means untraceable.
Difficulty swallowing
One of the most common symptoms in the early stages of esophageal cancer is discomfort when swallowing. This discomfort usually starts mild and may only occur when swallowing dry, hard or coarse foods. As the disease progresses, it may be difficult to swallow liquid foods or even saliva. This change can be likened to a river that narrows gradually, initially only blocking its flow, and may eventually become completely blocked.
This symptom is caused by a tumor growing inside the esophagus, which narrows the esophageal duct and affects the passage of food. Discomfort may be present at first, but as the tumor grows, the degree of dysphagia increases. In this condition, food may lodge in the esophagus, causing pain or a feeling of blockage.
Retrosternal discomfort
Another warning sign of early-stage esophageal cancer is discomfort or pain behind the sternum. This symptom can be described as a faint feeling of pressure, like a stone pressed against the chest. Symptoms may be incoherent and come and go, but may become more frequent and noticeable over time.
Retrosternal discomfort is usually caused by compression of surrounding tissues by tumors inside the esophagus. This compression not only affects the esophagus, but can also affect nearby nerves and blood vessels, causing pain or discomfort. The subtle nature of this symptom is such that many people may overlook or mistake it for indigestion or heart problems.
Hoarseness
Esophageal cancer may cause hoarseness, which is due to the proximity of the anatomical location of the esophagus and larynx, and the growth of the tumor may affect the laryngeal nerves. This symptom can be likened to a rusty iron door, which opens and closes more and more hoarse as the shaft rusts.
Hoarseness is uncommon in esophageal cancer, but when it does, it usually means that the tumor has affected the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The presence of this symptom usually indicates that the disease may have progressed to an advanced stage, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as persistent hoarseness is noticed, especially if there is no cold or other obvious cause.
Weight lowering
Significant weight loss without significant dieting or increased exercise is another warning sign of early esophageal cancer. This weight loss can be seen as a distress signal to the body, like a ship that has to abandon part of its cargo to maintain buoyancy because it is overloaded.
Weight loss can be due to inadequate nutrient intake due to dysphagia, or it can be that the body is expending a lot of energy in the fight against tumors. In addition, esophageal cancer may cause alterations in metabolism that further exacerbate weight loss. Persistent weight loss should be taken seriously, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.