How can you tell the difference between hiatal hernia/gerd symptoms and esophageal cancer symptoms?

You might not know: Having severe gerd symptoms for many years can cause an increased risk of esophageal cancer from the long-term effects of stomach acid. If over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes don't improve someone's gerd symptoms, an upper endoscopy (looking into the esophagus and stomach with a fiberoptic tube) should be done to look for pre-cancerous changes in the lining of the esophagus.

You can't: But a gastroenterologist can! so for either of the above you need a diagnosis and proper treatment. Untreated gerd can lead to esophageal cancer! so don't self diagnose but see the experts!

Get scoped: Symptoms cannot usually differentiate these entities until esophageal cancer is far advanced. If you have had gerd symptoms for a few years, upper endoscopy may be indicated. Consult with a gastroenterologist or surgeon.