What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?
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Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
Common Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer (EC) presents with a variety of symptoms, many of which significantly impact patients' quality of life. The most frequently reported symptoms include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which is often a sign of late-stage tumors2 5. Weight loss is another common symptom, often resulting from both the disease itself and the difficulty in swallowing4 5. Additionally, patients frequently report loss of appetite, tiredness, and a general sense of poor wellbeing1 5.
Severe Symptoms and Their Impact
Patients undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer often experience severe symptoms. A study utilizing the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) found that the most severe symptoms reported were lack of appetite, tiredness, and poor wellbeing1. These symptoms are particularly intense within the first five months following diagnosis, with some improvement observed in the latter half of the first year1.
Long-term Symptoms Post-Surgery
Even after surgical treatment, many patients continue to experience significant symptoms. A study involving esophageal cancer survivors found that pain on scars, low mood, and reduced energy or activity tolerance were prevalent and had a substantial impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL)3. More than two-thirds of patients reported ongoing symptoms more than a year after surgery, with weight loss being a notable issue for 10.4% of patients3.
Symptoms Specific to Esophageal Neuroendocrine Tumors
Esophageal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), although rare, present with symptoms similar to other forms of esophageal cancer. The most common symptoms include dysphagia, weight loss, and loss of appetite5. These tumors are often aggressive and lack specific symptoms, leading to diagnostic delays and poorer prognoses5.
Conclusion
Esophageal cancer is associated with a high symptom burden, both during and after treatment. Common symptoms such as dysphagia, weight loss, and loss of appetite significantly affect patients' quality of life. Severe symptoms like lack of appetite, tiredness, and poor wellbeing are particularly prevalent in the initial months following diagnosis. Long-term symptoms post-surgery, including pain on scars and reduced energy, continue to impact survivors. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for providing targeted support and improving patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Patient-reported symptoms for esophageal cancer patients undergoing curative intent treatment.
Esophageal cancer patients undergoing curative intent therapy experience a high symptom burden, with common severe symptoms including lack of appetite, tiredness, and poor wellbeing.
Observational StudyEpidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a rapidly increasing cancer with risk factors including chronic heartburn, tobacco use, white race, and obesity, and is often diagnosed late-stage.
Highly CitedLasting Symptoms After Esophageal Resection (LASER)
Two-thirds of esophageal cancer survivors experience significant symptoms more than 1 year after surgery, with pain on scars, low mood, and reduced energy or activity tolerance being key factors in poor health-related quality of life.
Observational StudyShort communication on Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is linked to smoking, alcohol use, and Barrett's passageway, with symptoms including weight loss and difficulty swallowing.
A rare rarity: Neuroendocrine tumor of the esophagus.
Esophageal neuroendocrine tumors are rare, aggressive, and often diagnosed randomly on endoscopic examination, with smoking and alcohol abuse as major risk factors.
Systematic ReviewThe 8th Wonder of the Cancer World: Esophageal Cancer and Inflammation
Esophageal cancer is linked to inflammation, which contributes to its pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.
Rigorous JournalEpidemiology of esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer is a highly aggressive and deadly cancer with poor survival rates, and further exploration of its mechanisms could decrease incidence and improve outcomes.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedPatients With Esophageal Adenocarcinoma With Prior Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms Are Similar to Those Without Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Esophageal adenocarcinoma patients with and without prior GERD symptoms have similar risk factors and cancer stages, suggesting that screening efforts for early EAC should not be restricted to those with GERD.
Observational StudyRadiation esophagitis.
Radiation esophagitis is a rare and clinically unsuspected condition that presents with nonspecific symptoms and nondiagnostic endoscopic changes, differing from common radiation proctitis.
NCCN CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES IN ONCOLOGY Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers, Version 2.2019
Preoperative chemoradiation or perioperative chemotherapy significantly improves survival in patients with locally advanced esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer, and targeted therapies show promising results in advanced or metastatic disease.
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