The first symptom is usually difficulty in swallowing, first to very solid, dry foods, but then progressing to less solid food. There may be a sensation of the food sticking that goes away with drinking fluids to force the food past an obstruction. Weight loss and a reducied appetite are also possible.
Chest pain is possible, and sometimes coughing immediately after swallowing can occur if an abnormal connection between the swallowing tube and the breathing tube (trachea) has been made by the tumour.
