How painful can esophageal cancer be?

Very: Esophageal cancer can be very painful, especially if it has already spread to other parts of the body like the bones.

Usually not very: The main complaint that most esophageal patients have is difficulty swallowing food or drink (called dysphasia). Rarely, people complain of pain when swallowing. Most esophageal cancer patients do not complain of pain. The presence of pain is concerning for spread of the tumor outside of the esophagus or perhaps a different, unrelated cause of the pain.

Not at all, to very: Bad disease. Often no symptoms until well established. May have no heartburn. May have painful swallowing, and/or difficulty swallowing_ often progressive from solids to chopped, to liquids. Can cause pain, especially with spread.