Esophageal cancer history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is the first symptom in most patients. [[Odynophagia]] (painful swallowing) may be present. Fluids and soft foods are usually tolerated, while hard or bulky substances (such as bread or meat) cause much more difficulty. Substantial [[weight loss]] is characteristic as a result of poor nutrition and the active cancer. [[Pain and nociception|Pain]], often of a burning nature, may be severe and worsened by swallowing, and can be spasmodic in character. An early sign may be an unusually husky or raspy voice. | Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is the first symptom in most patients. [[Odynophagia]] (painful swallowing) may be present. Fluids and soft foods are usually tolerated, while hard or bulky substances (such as bread or meat) cause much more difficulty. Substantial [[weight loss]] is characteristic as a result of poor nutrition and the active cancer. [[Pain and nociception|Pain]], often of a burning nature, may be severe and worsened by swallowing, and can be spasmodic in character. An early sign may be an unusually husky or raspy voice. | ||
The presence of the tumor may disrupt normal [[peristalsis]] (the organised swallowing reflex), leading to [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]], [[regurgitation]] of food, [[cough]]ing and an increased risk of [[aspiration pneumonia]]. The tumor surface may be fragile and [[hemorrhage|bleed]], causing [[hematemesis]] (vomiting up blood). Compression of local structures occurs in advanced disease, leading to such problems as [[superior vena cava syndrome]]. [[Fistula]]s may develop between the esophagus and the [[Vertebrate trachea|trachea]], increasing the pneumonia risk; this symptom is usually heralded by [[cough]], [[fever]] or aspiration. | The presence of the tumor may disrupt normal [[peristalsis]] (the organised swallowing reflex), leading to [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]], [[regurgitation]] of food, [[cough]]ing and an increased risk of [[aspiration pneumonia]]. The tumor surface may be fragile and [[hemorrhage|bleed]], causing [[hematemesis]] (vomiting up blood). Compression of local structures occurs in advanced disease, leading to such problems as [[superior vena cava syndrome]]. [[Fistula]]s may develop between the esophagus and the [[Vertebrate trachea|trachea]], increasing the pneumonia risk; this symptom is usually heralded by [[cough]], [[fever]] or aspiration. | ||
If the disease has [[metastasis|spread]] elsewhere, this may lead to symptoms related to this: [[liver]] metastasis could cause [[jaundice]] and [[ascites]], [[lung]] metastasis could cause [[dyspnea|shortness of breath]], [[pleural effusion]]s, etc. | If the disease has [[metastasis|spread]] elsewhere, this may lead to symptoms related to this: [[liver]] metastasis could cause [[jaundice]] and [[ascites]], [[lung]] metastasis could cause [[dyspnea|shortness of breath]], [[pleural effusion]]s, etc. |
Revision as of 14:14, 14 September 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
History and symptoms
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is the first symptom in most patients. Odynophagia (painful swallowing) may be present. Fluids and soft foods are usually tolerated, while hard or bulky substances (such as bread or meat) cause much more difficulty. Substantial weight loss is characteristic as a result of poor nutrition and the active cancer. Pain, often of a burning nature, may be severe and worsened by swallowing, and can be spasmodic in character. An early sign may be an unusually husky or raspy voice.
The presence of the tumor may disrupt normal peristalsis (the organised swallowing reflex), leading to nausea and vomiting, regurgitation of food, coughing and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. The tumor surface may be fragile and bleed, causing hematemesis (vomiting up blood). Compression of local structures occurs in advanced disease, leading to such problems as superior vena cava syndrome. Fistulas may develop between the esophagus and the trachea, increasing the pneumonia risk; this symptom is usually heralded by cough, fever or aspiration.
If the disease has spread elsewhere, this may lead to symptoms related to this: liver metastasis could cause jaundice and ascites, lung metastasis could cause shortness of breath, pleural effusions, etc.