Esophageal Cancer Symptoms
Esophageal cancer is often referred to as a “silent” disease because its early symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for more common digestive issues like heartburn or acid reflux. Understanding these symptoms—and the many risk factors associated with esophageal cancer—can make a critical difference in early detection and effective treatment.
If you regularly experience any of the symptoms listed below, it's important to consult a reflux specialist or your primary care provider. At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating esophageal conditions before they progress.
Common Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
Chest Pain and Heartburn: Persistent or severe heartburn that doesn’t improve with antacids may be a sign of something more serious.
Trouble Swallowing (Dysphagia): A sensation that food is stuck in your throat or difficulty swallowing solid foods.
Unintended Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, especially alongside digestive issues, may signal trouble.
Chronic Cough or Hoarseness: Ongoing throat irritation without other cold symptoms can be a warning sign.
These symptoms can stem from other conditions, but when persistent, they warrant a closer look.
Causes & Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer
1. HPV Infection
Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause papillomas in the esophagus, which may progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Though less common than cervical HPV infections, esophageal involvement has been documented in oncologic literature.
2. Previous Cancer History
If you’ve had oral, throat, or lung cancer, you may have a higher risk of esophageal cancer due to similar carcinogenic exposures. (Turcotte & Duranceau, 2005).
3. Sedentary Lifestyle
Sedentary lifestyles correlate with increased obesity and GERD—both risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma (Maev et al., 2022).
4. Tylosis
Tylosis is a rare hereditary disorder where excess keratin buildup occurs, even in the esophagus. This leads to the growth of esophageal papillomas, which can become cancerous without careful monitoring.
5. Achalasia
This esophageal motility disorder leads to chronic food retention and inflammation, increasing mutation risk (Rubenstein & Chen, 2014).
6. Plummer-Vinson Syndrome
This rare condition causes esophageal webbing and iron deficiency anemia, which increases irritation and risk of esophageal cancer due to chronic damage to the lining.
7. Tobacco Use
Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco all irritate the esophageal lining, increasing cancer risk. The good news? Quitting tobacco use can rapidly begin reducing your risk.
8. Alcohol Consumption
Heavy drinking contributes significantly to the development of squamous cell carcinoma by causing chronic inflammation and cellular damage in the esophagus.
9. Age
People over 55 years old account for more than 85% of esophageal cancer diagnoses.
10. Sex
Men are up to four times more likely than women to develop esophageal cancer, though biological reasons remain under investigation (Johnson, 2004).
11. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Chronic reflux exposes the esophageal lining to stomach acid, causing inflammation and cellular damage. GERD is one of the strongest known risk factors for adenocarcinoma.
12. Barrett’s Esophagus
A condition where chronic acid exposure from GERD transforms esophageal cells into intestinal-like cells, increasing cancer risk. About 10% of those with chronic GERD develop Barrett’s Esophagus (Shaheen & Ransohoff, 2002).
13. Diet
Frequent consumption of processed meats and hot beverages has been linked to a higher risk of esophageal cancer. A fiber-rich, plant-forward diet is protective against both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
14. Obesity
Being overweight, particularly with excess abdominal fat, increases pressure on the stomach, leading to GERD. This persistent reflux contributes to esophageal cell damage and raises cancer risk.
When to Get Checked
Many esophageal cancer symptoms overlap with less severe conditions, which is why persistent discomfort should not be ignored. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. The Tampa Bay Reflux Center provides expert care for GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus, and related conditions, helping patients reduce long-term cancer risk through preventative care and advanced diagnostics.
Works Cited
Shaheen, N., & Ransohoff, D. (2002). Gastroesophageal reflux, Barrett esophagus, and esophageal cancer: scientific review. JAMA, 287(15), 1972–1981. Link
Turcotte, S., & Duranceau, A. (2005). Gastroesophageal reflux and cancer. Thoracic Surgery Clinics, 15(3), 341–352. Link
Johnson, D. (2004). BE, GERD, and Risk for Esophageal Cancer. NEJM Journal Watch. Link.
Rubenstein, J. H., & Chen, J. W. (2014). Epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 43(1), 1–14. Link.
Maev, I. V., Andreev, D. N., Ovsepyan, M. A., & Barkalova, E. Y. (2022). Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment optimization. Medical Council. Link.