I am worried about esophageal cancer

GrahamD · New User Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 2

My name is Graham Reid and I live in Nova Scotia, Canada. I was wondering about the speed at which esphageal cancer spreads, i.e. how soon after noticing the first symptoms (like difficulty swallowing or acid reflux) are people diagnosed with the disease. In addition, I was wondering about the speed at which it progresses; does it progress slowly or quickly? Over what timeline and with what complications and what extent of these complications?

I have been having trouble swallowing for years and it does not really seem to be getting any worse. I do not smoke, drink I am fairly fit (six-minute mile) and I am only in my late teenage years (so it would really suck if I got this, considering that the average 5-year survival rate is about 9%).

I know that esophageal cancer is not common in people with my conditions, but seeing as the only symptoms are a difficulty swallowing, I don’t know what else it could be. I began to get worried when, in passing, I told a duty doctor about my trouble swallowing (which I have had for at the very least for 4-5 years, maybe longer but I cannot remember) and he recommended that I get a barium swallow.

Please tell me what the symptoms were in yours or other peoples cases and whether or not they progressed (if so at what rate).

Thank you very much for your time.

brainman

Hi GrahamD, I am so sorry about your health concerns. Difficulty swallowing and acid reflux can be caused by so many other things other than cancer. But you really should see a doctor for an evaluation to find out what is causing these problems. If they are caused by cancer, well, you have your answer... it has already progressed. You cannot have the symptoms without the disease. Something is causing your problems and whatever it is needs to be treated. There really is no time line for cancer. Either you have it or you do not have it. There is only a time line for how fast individuals take action to find out what is causing their symptoms. In other words, you set your own time line. Take action because the sooner you find out, the better it will be in so many respects.

Keep use informed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Graham- Get it looked into- as this could be many things, adult reflux, tonsils, infection deep sested infection, allergys etc.

A barium swallow, is pretty gross to swallow etc, but will help you with your worry. It doesn't hurt, just a little gross.

good luck and fingers crossed.
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