Symptom 3: Difficulty Swallowing: An Unwelcome Hurdle
Swallowing is such a commonplace action that we hardly give it a second thought. We expect food and drink to travel smoothly from our mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. However, difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can transform this simple act into an unwelcome hurdle, potentially indicating a serious condition like throat cancer.
Dysphagia is typically characterized by a feeling of food getting stuck in the throat or chest, or even causing discomfort or pain while swallowing. It’s like having a lump or blockage in your throat that refuses to budge, making the act of swallowing a challenge.
The presence of a growing cancerous tumor in the throat or esophagus can lead to this uncomfortable symptom. As the tumor enlarges, it encroaches upon the passageway, making it narrower and consequently making swallowing difficult. Dysphagia, therefore, acts as an alarm bell, urging one to seek medical attention.(3)
