How can esophageal cancer feel compared to esophageal ulcers?

Different: A person with esophageal cancer can develop progressive swallowing difficulty, first for solids and later for liquids as well. Odynophagia is a painful swallowing. Esophageal ulcer can be benign or early cancer. That may produce swallowing difficulties due to spasms, but is not progressive. Only way to know for sure is by biopsy and endoscopy.

Varies: Many esophageal cancers have only dysphagia difficult swallowing and no other discomfort. Esophageal irritation, esophagitis, heart burn and ulcers are uncomfortable and may also have dysphagia.