Symptom 10: Difficulty Swallowing
Swallowing is a function so intrinsic to our daily lives that we seldom give it a second thought. It’s a complex orchestration of muscles and reflexes, ensuring that food and drink travel safely from the mouth to the stomach. However, when this seemingly simple act becomes a challenge, it’s both disconcerting and indicative of potential underlying issues.
While squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) primarily targets the lungs, its effects can ripple outward, influencing various bodily functions, including swallowing. If SCC tumors develop near the esophagus or if there’s significant lymph node involvement, it can impede the normal swallowing process.
It’s not solely about physical obstruction. The presence of SCC can lead to inflammation and swelling, further narrowing the esophageal passage. This narrowing, combined with the pain or discomfort caused by the cancerous growth, can make each swallow a conscious effort, fraught with difficulty.
The challenges don’t stop at mere discomfort while eating or drinking. Difficulty in swallowing, or dysphagia, can have far-reaching consequences, from malnutrition and dehydration to the risk of aspiration, where food or drink enters the lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia. (10)
