A doctor has urged people to look out for an unpleasant cancer symptom that can appear while eating. According to gastroenterologist Doctor Joseph Salhab, difficulty swallowing and feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat, is one warning sign of oesophageal cancer.
This is one of the “fastest rising” cancers in the US, Dr Salhab explained. In the UK, it accounts for 9,400 new cancer diagnoses every year – or 26 every day, Cancer Research UK says.
Speaking to his 1.7 million followers on social media platform TikTok, the expert shared the common warning signs of the disease to spot.
“Here are four signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer which is one of the fastest-rising cancers here in the United States,” he said.
Dr Salhab continued: “The first is the inability to swallow, whether it’s solids or liquids, and the feeling that food gets stuck.”
This problem is known medically as dysphagia. Signs of dysphagia as listed by the NHS include:
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- Bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose
- A feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest
- A gurgly, wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking.
- You may also drool and have problems chewing your food.
There are several causes of dysphagia, some of which are less serious than others.
As well as oesophageal cancer, dysphagia can be a symptom of mouth cancer.
Dysphagia can also be caused by:
- Some medicines, such as antipsychotics
- Having a learning disability
- A cleft lip and palate in babies
- Heartburn and acid reflux, especially in children or people who have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Problems with your breathing caused by conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- A condition that affects the nervous system or brain, such as cerebral palsy, a stroke, dementia or multiple sclerosis.
Dr Salhab listed other potential signs of oesophageal cancer.
“The second is unintentional weight loss which can be associated with cancer,” he said.
“The third is chest pains every time you eat that, don’t go away.
“And number four is uncontrolled vomiting, especially if it contains blood.”
The NHS warns that the following can also be signs of the disease:
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
- A cough that is not getting better
- A hoarse voice
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired or having no energy
- Pain in your throat or the middle of your chest
- Black poo or coughing up blood (although these are uncommon).
“If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly,” the NHS says.
If you experience any unexplained symptoms you should speak to your GP.