The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and a feeling that food is sticking in the throat or chest. It usually does not appear until the tumor has grown so large that it narrows the esophagus to about half its normal width of three-quarters of an inch (1.91 centimeters). Patients may find it impossible to swallow heavily textured foods, such as meats or breads. Many patients may unconsciously change their eating habits as a result of their swallowing problems.

Other symptoms associated with esophageal cancer include:

• Substantial, unintentional weight loss. Esophageal cancer both prevents the patient from eating properly and, when advanced, changes the way the body metabolizes nutrients. Both of these factors can lead to weight loss.
  
  
• Pain in the throat, mid-chest or between the shoulder blades. Some patients may feel pain during swallowing or discomfort and burning behind the breastbone.
  
  
• Hoarseness, chronic cough and coughing up blood. These symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer is in an advanced stage.
  
  
• Tracheoesophageal fistula. Occurs when a tumor creates a hole between the esophagus and the windpipe (trachea) and can cause aspiration of food into the lungs. This can create coughing and gagging when the patient tries to swallow and can lead to pneumonia. This condition usually does not occur unless the tumor is very far advanced.