Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Question: Will an MRI of the neck detect esophageal cancer? I had an MRI of my neck done a few weeks ago and everything was normal. But, I've been having difficulty swallowing and have had a burning sensation in my chest. These are new symptoms and concerning to me. They originally sent me for the neck and spine MRI because I have been having abdominal pain. But with these new symptoms, I'm worried about something in my esophagus, especially because it feels like food is trapped when I try to swallow.

Answer: They use chest x-rays to test for esophageal cancer because the part of the espohagus that usually gets the cancer is below the neck in the chest cavity. They also Esopagoscopy. It's a camera that they snake down your throat to see adnormatilites. A biopsy of any abnormality is needed to determine if it is cancerous or not.

Question: Anyone know anything about tylosis or esophageal cancer? Has anyone had these? What are the symtoms? What about acid reflux symptoms? My chest feels like someone is sitting on me and has felt that way for three days. HELP!

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Question: Too young for esophageal cancer? Okay, so, I've been a little stressed lately. I've been having nearly constant chest pain that seems to spread to my abdominal area. Breathing and swallowing has become difficult. Solid food feels like it goes down slowly and gets stuck in my chest. I have this lump in my throat that feels like it gets bigger as the weeks pass. On several occasions, I've gotten this metallic taste, like blood, in my mouth which just happens suddenly. I've had these symptoms for a few months, but they seem to progress as time goes by. I looked up my symptoms, and I think it might just be acid reflex. But, my mother tells me it could be something worse because of my past with Bulimia. (4 years) But, I'm too young to have something like esophageal cancer, its very rare for people under 60 to get it, I hear. I'm still in my teens. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow, but I'd like to hear opinions on what it could be.

Answer: Because of your past with bulimia, its possible you could have a small tear or even a hernia. Acid reflux is pretty annoying and that could be your problem. Chances are, you'll need an upper GI xray to determine the cause. Its a really easy xray and the doc should be able to figure out whats going on in no time. Its good you are getting checked. I hope you feel better!

Question: I am 17...could I have esophageal cancer? Ok so I have been taking pills for acid reflux and I am really bad at swallowing pills so I always tense my throat alot and it takes me like 5 minutes to just swallow one pill. Well after about a month of taking the pill my esophogus felt swollen and it was very uncomfortable and also it felt uncomfortable breathing too. I am doing an endoscopy in 2 weeks and I am just terrified that I mighth ave esophageal cancer. Every site I go to says that it is really fatal and I have been worrying non stop about this...I am so scared! I don't really have problems swollowing but now that I know its one of the symptoms I keep focusing on how I swallow my food and its just stressing me out and stuff. It does feel like there is a lump in my throat when I swallow and my doctor said thats from the acid reflux. But I am just so scared...what do they mean by not being able to swallow? Like choking on the food? Any help would be greatly appreciated. This always happens when I tense up alot for trying to swallow a pill...about 3 weeks later I wake up and my esophogus feels swollen. It might have something to do with the tensing up too?

Answer: There are a number of things that could be wrong with you & they are not cancerous. You could have polyps, which can be removed by cauterizing when they do the endoscopy. You could have a stricture or narrowing of the esophagus, causing the symptoms you mention.It could be a tumor but something non-cancerous or a situation where the esophagus rolls up on itself (like a tube) which puts pressure on the area. Surgery has good results from these. As far as the pill, check with your pharmacist to see if it can be crushed then if it can, mix it with apple sauce, pudding, or ice cream so it goes down easier. Hope this helps. Good luck with the tests.

Question: Why has my Swallowing become difficult, could it be cancer? basically I've very rescently, (as in only the last couple of days) have noticed that my swallowing feels weird, it's like there's a lump of mucus that won't budge. I don't exactly live a healthy life, I'm overweight and drink and smoke but I only started smoking resently (April) and since this happened I've chucked all my fags away. The reason I'm scared of cancer is that a friend of my family died in January last year of Esophageal cancer and I remember one of her first symptoms was dificulty swallowing. I don't have trouble with food though it doesn't really hurt it's just uncomfortable. please help this is quite distressing!!! P.S. I live in the UK.

Answer: The best thing you can do is book an appointment to see your GP. They will be able to examine you and order futher tests if needed. As nobody here can physically see what is going on - they can only make guesses as to what it could be. You GP is the best person you should see. All the very best

Question: Any chance a swollen left supraclavicular lymph node (Virchow's node) could NOT be cancer? I don't have any other symptoms or any other swollen lymph nodes. The only complicating factor is that I had a root canal on a back tooth on the left side of my mouth and had a subsequent infection, so I guess that there is some obscure chance that this could be related to the infection I had in the tooth/gum after the root canal was done--except that everything I'm reading says that this particular lymph node doesn't drain that way. I also wonder is whether it really is my lymph node? The swelling is between the top of my shoulder and my clavicle . . . I can tell that this side is more swollen than the other side. Now it feels like my collarbone itself is larger on that side. It isn't tender, but it aches at times. (because I'm poking at it?) I have upper GI problems for almost ten years (GERD, etc) so obviously I am concerned about pancreatic or esophageal cancer. My CT scan is on Sunday, but I'm going nuts waiting. I would love to hear that it could be something else! PS I was on clindomycin (sp?) for a week, then on 875 mg of Augmentin for ten days. I had just finished the first round of antibiotics when I noticed the lump.

Answer: There is a problem! : Do you want to / love to hear support ? or you want to know what you can do with that ? ; these are completely separated I think . I don't know why you take a CT scan , there is no indication for that yet . The first step is needle biopsy (FNA) , then searching for breast lungs and GI sources with physical examination , xrays and endoscopic evaluations . Virschow node is not 100% malignant , so wait and be patience till evaluations demonstrate the real cause . You can start approaching to your neck mass in an ENT departement .

Question: maybe gross to some, but 4 those that have IBS, especially women, how do u treat the symptoms w/out medication I am grieving the loss of my father. It's been 1 yr since he passed away from esophageal cancer caused by untreated GIRD(acid reflux disease). I have gird but am treating it w/meds & getting endoscopy's annually. But, I've had IBS before due to severe stress & now it's back. I have no appetite, but I try to eat healthy, I'm nautious often & not much food appeals to me. I see plenty of doctors already...and I take metamucil...any suggestions?

Answer: I suggest you start taking Shaklee's truly natural Optiflora. This advanced two-product system uses new technology to protect beneficial microflora during the rigors of shipping, storage, and the acidic journey through your stomach. Other products claim live microflora at the time of manufacture. Shaklee guarantees the delivery of live microflora (500 million).This product treats the condition and not just the symptoms. The two-product system includes Probiotic (Bifidus & Acidophilus...microflora) + Probiotic (FOS...food source for microflora). This product has also helped others control their acid reflux as well. It truly is an amazing supplement. I use it regularly. For more info or question, feel free to contact me.

Question: Dr's tried everything for esophageal spasms what's up? 4 different medications, upper endo showed nothing, but, no medicines are working, extremely tired all the time, pains in the chest, anyone know what's next for me? looked up symptoms for eso. and throat Cancer, not matching, the Dr. wants to see me on Monday.

Answer: I had an almost constant cough, nothing the Doctor tried seemed to work. Turned out it was the BP medication, Lisinopril he had perscribed that was the cause. I switched to another and the coughing eventually stopped.

Question: im really ill, and i just found a new symptom? (Black Vomit)? I have alot of symptoms, mostly chest congestion, headache, dizzyness, tired, Fever, feeling cold but im actualy really hot, and i just vomited up black, Tar like vomit. i'm 19, so im pretty sure it's not esophageal cancer, but i dont know. please help? I also have foul smelling stool, however, it's not black.

Answer: Black, tar like vomit is usually a sign of internal bleeding; which would explain the dizziness and headache. You need to get to the ER. Black Vomit often means its come from further down the digestive track; meaning it probably isn't from the esophogus. Please take this seriously and go to ER, before further damage occurs.

Question: Help with diagnosis of abdominal pain? I am a fifteen-year-old female grade nine student. I don't eat regularly, or eat healthily most of the time. Usually I skip lunch or breakfast, and sometimes supper. I'm 5'3 ½ and I'm about the right weight for my height and age. I have trouble falling asleep, and am usually up until midnight-2am. I get up at 7 am. So I usually get between 5-7 hours of sleep a night. I don't exercise regularly, either. Since about February (so for like 2 months), I've been feeling near-constant pain in my lower and left abdomen. I often get chills and cramps so bad that I have to double over. I also have to double over to muffle the gurgling sound coming from my stomach. It's not a gurgling from being hungry. It's quite different, and it sounds like it comes from my left side. Also, I drink a substance to curve my appetite so my stomach won't growl from hunger in class - therefore, it's not growling from being hungry, as the drink makes me feel full. My symptoms include: Dull pain near the navel, loss of appetite, nausea soon after abdominal pain begins, abdominal swelling, bloating, inability to pass gas - or too frequent gas, dull/sharp pain near my left/lower abdomen, severe cramps, constipation, weight loss, pain in the chest, behind breastbone (once or twice), coughing, hoarseness, indigestion, (I get secondhand smoke), weakness, pain/tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen, chills, fever, stomach cramps, tiredness. I get dull, gnawing stomach pain that comes and goes. The pain is often worse when my stomach is empty, and sometimes goes away after eating. I don't think I digest properly, and sometimes feel nauseated. Often, I feel like I have to pas gas, but sometimes I can't, or I have to hold it in. Also - "Abdominal pain in IBS is often characterized as being intermittent or constant, tender upon palpation and can be relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement. It has also been described along a range from mild to severe. The pain can become so severe that it can affect the sufferer's quality of life and cause the person to miss school, work, and other social events." My pain on the left/lower side ranges from mild to severe, and sometimes can be relieved by passing gas, having a bowel movement, or eating. Recently, it's been getting worse and worse and I keep missing school, and I fear that I may fail or something. But it's not my fault - it's so distracting that I can't think or concentrate, and it's hard to try and work when you can feel and hear your abdominal organs messing around. My symptoms point to some of the following: -Appendicitis -Esophageal Cancer (I don't think I have cancer) -IBS; Irritable Bowel Syndrome -Diverticulitis -A stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) -Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) -Small or large bowel obstruction -Ulcerative colitis (with pain in the left side) -Dysentery -A mass -A hernia (both my mom and her brother have them) -An obstruction -Indigestion -Constipation I can't go see a doctor right now because my mom has to fill out some forms. I would go to the walk-in clinic, but I'm not sure how much help they'll be. What would I tell the doctors anyway? I couldn't just give them the list of my symptoms, it would probably be shrugged off as indigestion or constipation. And I don't think this can be shrugged off as constipation or indigestion if it happens so frequently unless there's something wrong with my diet/body/lifestyle. But then - how would my diet cause fevers, chills, and so much pain? The pain comes and goes so I can't ever say when it will occur. The pain usually begins between 9:20am and 10:45am and continues to come and go throughout the day, and make gurgling sounds and cause cramps and pain. When the pain starts early in the day, like today - it began when I woke up - then I know it will last a while. And it has - ever since it started this morning, it's been acting up horribly, as usual - so I came home sick. I don't know how to describe the pain/symptoms/illness to my friends/family, because I don't know what it is I have. All I know is that I experience pain, bloating, loss of appetite, fever, chills, inability to pass gas - or too frequent gas, constipation, coughing (sometimes), indigestion (sometimes), weakness (sometimes), tiredness and cramps the most - but mostly just horrible pain and gurgling sounds. When it hurts my left side - it hurts my entire left side of my torso - it's so bad that I have to literally clutch my side, and dig my fingers into my skin. Applying pressure helps sometimes, but I also experience lower abdomen pain, like around my waist. So - what do you think it is? I don't know if it is just constipation or indigestion, or what it is I have. I don't want to overreact, because I think I might be, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. And I haven't gotten my booster shot since my first one - do you think that will make things worse for me?

Answer: See your health care provider as soon as possible. Abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious condition. Fortunately, minor causes are much more frequent. Location of the pain can help in suggesting the cause. Appendix pain usually occurs in the right lower quarter of the abdomen. Diverticulitis usually hurts in the left lower quarter of the abdomen. Kidney pain, the back. Gallbladder, the right upper quarter. Stomach, the upper abdomen. Bladder or female organs, the lower areas. Exceptions to these rules do occur. Pain from hollow organs-such as the bowel or gallbladder-tends to be intermittent and resembles gas pain or colic. Pain from solid organs-kidneys, spleen, liver tends to be more constant. Stomach ulcers tend to create burning pain in the upper abdomen which usually gets better after a meal or a dose of antacid. There are exceptions to these rules as well. If the pain is very severe or if bleeding from the bowel occurs, see a doctor. Similarly, if there has been a significant recent abdominal injury, see the doctor-a ruptured spleen or other major problem is possible. Pain during pregnancy is potentially serious and must be evaluated. An "ectopic pregnancy"-in the fallopian rather than in the uterus-can occur before a woman is even aware she is pregnant. Pain in only one area suggests a more serious problem than generalized pain; again, there are exceptions. And good luck.

Question: Am i a hypochondriac? I'm thinking...horrible things :( help? ill rate you guys who answer :D? Okay, here is my story. Oh and thanks for answering i rate everyone who answers. :) Okay, I'm very young, I always have a problem. I get headaches, lightheaded, malaise, tired, my eyes hurt and etc. But I've had MRI scan, ECG, EEG, Blood tests, allergy tests, stomach x-ray, chest and heart x-ray, endoscopy, Another MRI, Spinal tap, even more. I always think i have high blood pressure even though i eat healthiest of my family. Nothings wrong with them!! I get anxiety attack, before i use to have these symptoms Headaches nausea bad stomach aches eye twitching pressure on eyes feeling faint seeing dots in my vision excessive diarrhea moving hands without trying to etc. i don't want to bore you guys. Anyways I've had so many tests i don't remember them and absolutely positively nothing, negative, no!!! :(? i still live in pain... sometimes i think I'm dying how can i stop this without making a 45675434567865th trip to the hospital.? my recent thoughts of hypochondria were thinking i had a brain tumor stomach cancer glaucoma carpel tunnel syndrome GERD esophageal cancer -_- high blood pressure "heart attack" feelings etc... help!!! how can i live normal like my family without thinking i have something wrong? Thanks to all you're answers. Unfortunately, i have to pick one best answer. But all of my answerer's are my best answers :) i WILL rate anyone :) no rude answers please thank you [: awww acdc_supadave is so nice :D weeee :)

Answer: Hi,Ally. I can't wait to see what you would rate me. :D How bout going out and enjoying yourself. Meet new people. Start dating if you haven't already. Find a hobby. Pet a kitten,Pet a puppy dog. Watch a movie with friends of yours. Eat some frozen yogurt really fast so you can sense a brain-freeze. Poor girl,If you don't stop this,The nice young men in the lab coats will take you away. You are fine. You are perfectly fine. Do you have a fave stuffed animal you like to snuggle with? How bout snuggling with that stuffed animal tonight? Ally,You are loved. You are so very loved. And if you don't believe me,Ask your parents. Hon,I wouldn't lie to you. My name is David,btw. It is so wonderful typing to you. Feel free to write to me whenever. I'd be more than happy to respond. I've gotta go up to bed now. Have a goodnight tonight,Ally. Sweet dreams. Bye.

Question: HELP? Im a hypochondriac what should i do? :(? Okay, here is my story. Oh and thanks for answering i rate everyone who answers. :) Okay, I'm very young, I always have a problem. I get headaches, lightheaded, malaise, tired, my eyes hurt and etc. But I've had MRI scan, ECG, EEG, Blood tests, allergy tests, stomach x-ray, chest and heart x-ray, endoscopy, Another MRI, Spinal tap, even more. I always think i have high blood pressure even though i eat healthiest of my family. Nothings wrong with them!! I get anxiety attack, before i use to have these symptoms Headaches nausea bad stomach aches eye twitching pressure on eyes feeling faint seeing dots in my vision excessive diarrhea moving hands without trying to etc. i don't want to bore you guys. Anyways I've had so many tests i don't remember them and absolutely positively nothing, negative, no!!! :(? i still live in pain... sometimes i think I'm dying how can i stop this without making a 45675434567865th trip to the hospital.? my recent thoughts of hypochondria were thinking i had a brain tumor stomach cancer glaucoma carpel tunnel syndrome GERD esophageal cancer -_- high blood pressure "heart attack" feelings etc... help!!! how can i live normal like my family without thinking i have something wrong? Thanks to all you're answers. Unfortunately, i have to pick one best answer. But all of my answerer's are my best answers :) i WILL rate anyone :) no rude answers please thank you [:

Answer: Most people your age have never had any of these tests done so you need to look beyond the tests and ask yourself why you have had all of these tests. Are you on medication for anxiety? It might help. You need to work with your doctor about your anxiety about your health because there are medications to help. Just remember, the first medication may not alleviate all of your symptoms and often medication dosages or the medication itself has to be adjusted several times before a satisfactory level of decreased anxiety is achieved. Also, counseling can help. In addition, starting an exercise program has shown to help with this kind of problem - walking is easiest - start slowly and for short distances until you can walk briskly for 30 minutes each day. This exercise causes your muscles and brain to secrete the "feel good" endorphins that can help decrease some of your symptoms. You need to keep your mind occupied on other things than yourself and your health and eventually, these thoughts will occur less and less and then you can begin to lead a more normal life. It often takes medication, counseling, exercise and mental imagery to stop this destructive cycle. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist who might provide the best help.

Question: MS or hypochondria? Please help? OK, so I am a healthy 21 year old male but one day I was experiencing lite muscle twitches which I think may be due to jogging and bad running shoes. I googled my symptom and up came ALS. Ever since I read that I have been experiencing weakness, trouble coordinating, fear of dying and I have been obsessing about the size of my muscles thinking they have decreased a lot. I have had hypochondria in the past thinking I have had Esophageal Cancer, diabetes ect. Is this anxiety form Hypochondria because I am seriously freaking out I have ALS or MS.

Answer: Because you said you had hypochondria in the past, it's probably acting up again. It might be a good idea to stay away from Googling your symptoms. If you haven't had a check up in a while, you may want to see your PCP. Maybe by having your doctor reassure you that everything is fine, this will help you settle yourself down. Best Wishes.

Question: What is a cardiac cyst? I was told I had a cardiac cyst. This was after an xray showed a "mass" in my chest. It is about 4-5 cm large. What is it? Should I be concerned, etc. The Dr who first saw it recommended a CT and after I had it, they recommended a repeat CT in 6 mos and now they again recommend a repeat CT in 6 more mos (no change noted on the latest CT). I have had a stress test, echo cardiogram and trans-esophageal echo cardiogram and they say all is ok! (I did have a hiatal hernia which allowed my stomach to slip into my chest cavity (a trans-esophogeal hernia) but have had that fixed. Still have the "mass" or cyst... Any info would be helpful. I have asked my Dr to get me into a cardiologist for a consul, but it will be after the new year. Thanks for any info. They say it isn't cancer as I have no other symptoms and with the size it is, I would have some if it were cancer.

Answer: This was the best i could find.. Good Luck!

Question: GERD Question? I have a question for you. Since the 24th of last month , i have been having this feeling in my chest as if something is either fluttering or spasming. I went to the ER on the 27th of last month and got checked out. They did the standard tests to rule out my heart , which those tests came back good. So its not my heart according to them. I was told that i have esophageal spasms due to GERD. I was diagnosed with it just by symptoms alone back in 11/2007. I was put on prilosec for it and had no more acid problems since then. I was recently switched to protonix for the spasms. I was told by a pharmasist that i was probably misdignosed , and that it sounded like that i had something called barretts esophagitis and that i am more likely gonna have stomach or esophagus cancer. Now im freaked out. I take 1 40mg protonix a day , as well as 10mg of buspar for anxiety/panic disorder. I have been trying to quit smoking as of late as well. I went for a follow up of sorts with my DR. I ended up seeing his Nurse Practioner , she seems to think that i might have an Ulcer. Now what? Im scared and dont know what else to do. Sometimes i think it might be my heart , others maybe my esophagus. I even went out and bought a stethoscope and everytime the supposed spasm happened , it sounded like it was my heart. Does GERD cause spasms of the esophagus? Does an Ulcer do it? Or is it anxiety related? Or the worse case , Cancer?

Answer: I agree with the others, pharmists may not diagnose/ nor give medicine wihtout a doctors permission. You need to go see a qualified doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is possible that he may refer you to a gastroenterologist. Having GERD alone increases the risk of esphogeal cancer, but only very very minimally. I have been a sufferer of GERD since I was a baby. I have had a fundoplication for it too. ( your doctor will explain this if needed) I would suggest you get an endoscopy - completely painless procedure) to check everything out. Smoking is not a very good idea and it is good that your trying to stop :) Book yourself into a doctor today. I can give you all my symptoms of GERD/esphogatis + more info if you want to email me. Hope you are feeling better