Does Difficulty in Swallowing Mean Cancer?

Does Difficulty in Swallowing Mean Cancer?

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QUESTION: I have developed some difficulty in swallowing. I can't get the
idea that it is cancer out of my mind. What are my chances that it is?
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ANSWER: Yes, cancer of the esophagus can cause trouble in swallowing (called
dysphagia), but there are also many noncancerous causes. Risk of esophageal
cancer is increased by heavy smoking and heavy use of alcohol. However, the
only way to tell what is causing your problem is to see a physician who will
ask questions about how long you've had trouble swallowing, whether it comes
and goes, or whether you only have trouble swallowing solid food.
If you have trouble swallowing both liquids and solid foods, there may be
a problem with the way your esophagus moves food into your stomach. If you
have trouble swallowing solid foods only, there may be an obstruction of some
kind, which may or may not be esophageal cancer. For example, if you've had
heartburn for many years, the acid that backed up into the esophagus may have
caused changes that reduced the diameter of the esophagus and obstructs the
passage of food. If the trouble with swallowing solid food comes and goes,
you may have a condition called Shatzki's ring, where the last inch or so of
the esophagus has narrowed.
Your doctor may ask you to have x-rays taken of your esophagus and
stomach while you drink a barium solution. The barium will show how your
esophagus acts when you swallow and any obstruction will be seen clearly.
Treatment for difficult swallowing depends on the diagnosis, but some cases
can be treated simply by chewing food well before swallowing.