6. Difficulty Swallowing: The Unseen Obstacle in Your Esophagus
While difficulty swallowing is a common complaint that can be attributed to various conditions like sore throat or GERD, it becomes worrisome when the issue persists. In the context of stomach cancer, this can occur due to a tumor narrowing the esophagus.
A tumor situated in the upper part of the stomach or lower esophagus can lead to narrowing of the esophageal passage. As a result, you may experience a feeling of “stuck” food and difficulty swallowing—both liquids and solids.
Difficulty swallowing can cause a ripple effect of other issues, such as weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, which could further weaken your immune system and compound your health problems.
A barium swallow test or an endoscopy are effective diagnostic tools to investigate difficulty in swallowing. These tests can reveal abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach, providing clues for further diagnosis and treatment. (6)
