Early esophageal cancer may not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, the most common symptoms are:

• Food gets stuck in the esophagus, and food may come back up
  
  
• Pain when swallowing
  
  
• Pain in the chest or back
  
  
• Weight loss
  
  
• Heartburn
  
  
• A hoarse voice or cough that doesn't go away within 2 weeks
  
  

These symptoms may be caused by esophageal cancer or other health problems. If you have any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.