If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due
to cancer. Most of these symptoms may be caused by other, less
serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them,
see your physician. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include the
following: Dysphagia —This involves trouble swallowing; usually
you have the sensation that food is sticking in your chest or
throat. There may also be pain with swallowing. Cough —Any
irritation of the breathing tubes may cause a cough. Aspiration
—Food that gets stuck in the esophagus is very likely to come
back up and find its way into the lungs, which is called
aspiration. Aspiration causes violent coughing and possibly
pneumonia . Weight loss —In addition to the usual weight loss
that accompanies cancer (known as cancer cachexia), your reduced
ability to eat magnifies this symptom in esophageal cancer. At
least half of esophageal cancer patients have lost significant
weight by the time they are diagnosed. Pain —In addition to pain
from obstructed swallowing,