Updated June 11, 2015.

Esophageal cancer is a disease in which a malignancy (cancer of the esophagus) forms in the tissues of the esophagus.

The symptoms below that may indicate esophageal cancer can also be symptoms of other disorders, such as GERD, Barrett's esophagus, and hiatal hernia, so a thorough examination is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. For a more in depth explanation of these symptoms, please read this article on Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer.

• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Inability to swallow solid foods (eventually liquids also)
• Pain with swallowing
• Food sticking in esophagus
• Weight loss
• Regurgitation of undigested food
• Vomiting blood or passing old blood with bowel movements