9. Difficulty Swallowing: An Overlooked Indicator
Swallowing problems, or dysphagia, are not the first symptoms that come to mind when considering lung cancer. After all, swallowing is a function most associate with the throat or esophagus. However, lung cancer can manifest through difficulty swallowing, especially when the cancer is located near the esophagus or has metastasized to lymph nodes in the area.
What sets cancer-induced dysphagia apart from other types? It often doesn’t come alone; it arrives accompanied by pain. Every swallow can feel like a battle, making even the act of drinking water a challenging task. This painful swallowing could lead to dehydration or malnutrition, escalating the problem.
Contrary to what one might think, the difficulty in swallowing might not start with solid foods. It could first manifest when swallowing liquids. As the tumor grows, the difficulty extends to semi-solids and finally, to solid foods. It’s an escalating issue that can significantly impact your quality of life.
The psychology of eating also changes. Meals, once a pleasure, might become a source of stress or anxiety. You may find yourself eating less, not only because swallowing has become difficult but because the experience has become mentally taxing. This, in turn, could contribute to the unintended weight loss we discussed earlier.(9)
