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 tumors . Weight loss is another common symptom, often resulting from both the disease itself and the difficulty in swallowing . Additionally, patients frequently report loss of appetite, tiredness, and a general sense of poor wellbeing .
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 wellbeing. These symptoms are particularly intense within the first five months following diagnosis, with some improvement observed in the latter half of the first year.
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). 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 patients.
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 appetite. These tumors are often aggressive and lack specific symptoms, leading to diagnostic delays and poorer prognoses.
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.
Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.
Lasting Symptoms After Esophageal Resection (LASER)
Short communication on Esophageal Cancer
A rare rarity: Neuroendocrine tumor of the esophagus.
The 8th Wonder of the Cancer World: Esophageal Cancer and Inflammation
Epidemiology of esophageal cancer.
Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma with prior GERD symptoms are similar to those without GERD: A Cross-sectional Study.
Radiation esophagitis.
Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers, Version 2.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.
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