If food feels like it’s getting stuck when you swallow, you may wonder whether something serious is causing it.
So, is difficulty swallowing a sign of cancer? It can be, but cancer is only one possible cause. Acid reflux, inflammation, narrowing of the esophagus, and problems with the muscles used for swallowing can also make it hard for food to go down.
Still, new or worsening trouble swallowing should be checked by a doctor.
The medical term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia. You may:
How your swallowing problem starts can give your doctor clues about the cause. Coughing or choking when you start to swallow may point to a problem in the mouth or throat. If food seems to stick farther down in your chest, the problem may involve your esophagus.
Cancer can make swallowing difficult if a tumor narrows the throat or esophagus or presses against nearby tissues.
Esophageal cancer can cause trouble swallowing that gets worse over time. You may first notice that solid foods are harder to swallow. As the opening becomes narrower, softer foods and liquids may also become difficult.
Other symptoms can include:
Head and neck cancers can also affect swallowing. Other symptoms may include a sore throat that doesn’t go away, voice changes, a lump in the neck, ear pain, or a sore in the mouth or throat.
A thyroid tumor or large thyroid nodule can sometimes press against nearby structures and make swallowing difficult. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer.
Many conditions other than cancer can make swallowing difficult.
Acid reflux can damage the esophagus over time. As the tissue heals, scarring can narrow the passage and make solid foods harder to swallow.
Eosinophilic esophagitis causes inflammation in the esophagus. It can lead to narrowing and may cause food to become stuck.
Achalasia affects how the muscles of the esophagus move food toward the stomach. It can make both food and liquids harder to swallow.
Other possible causes include:
Your symptoms alone can’t tell you what’s causing the problem.
Make an appointment if food regularly feels stuck, swallowing has become harder, or the problem isn’t going away.
It’s especially important to get checked if you also have:
If food becomes completely stuck and you can’t swallow food, liquids, or your own saliva, seek medical care right away.
Difficulty swallowing can be a sign of cancer, but it can also have many other causes. If swallowing has become harder or food keeps getting stuck, finding the cause is the next step.
A gastroenterologist can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you need testing, such as an upper endoscopy.
If you’re having difficulty swallowing, schedule an appointment with Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio to find out what’s causing it and discuss your treatment options.
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