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I Have Had Mild Symptoms Of Difficulty Swallowing, Intermittently Over
Question: I have had mild symptoms of difficulty swallowing, intermittently over the last few days. I am a 46 year old male, and a smoker. I am concerned that this symptom could be a sign of throat cancer.
Brief Answer:
It can be esophagitis from GERD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
Having difficulty swallowing may be related to many different issues including cancer.
It can be related to inflammation and infection of throat such pharyngitis either viral or bacterial, tonsillitis, esophagitis or inflammation of esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux, mononucleosis etc.
I want to know more details such if you are recently having a fever or not,is your throat red or normal colour, you can attach a photo of the throat in reports.
Do you suffer from heartburn ,acid reflux, are you taking any medications?
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
It can be esophagitis from GERD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
Having difficulty swallowing may be related to many different issues including cancer.
It can be related to inflammation and infection of throat such pharyngitis either viral or bacterial, tonsillitis, esophagitis or inflammation of esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux, mononucleosis etc.
I want to know more details such if you are recently having a fever or not,is your throat red or normal colour, you can attach a photo of the throat in reports.
Do you suffer from heartburn ,acid reflux, are you taking any medications?
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Dear Dr Xhufka,
Thank you for your reply.. I do not have a sore throat nor is my throat red, nor do I have a fever. The main symptom is occasionally having difficulty swallowing when I only have a small amount of saliva in the mouth. When I have a normal amount of saliva in the mouth I can swallow normally. And swallowing food and liquid is not a problem. Sometimes the food does go down the wrong way but this rarely happens. I do have heartburn sometimes after eating certain foods or drinking alcohol. I.take Rennie antacids if this happens. Obviously, my main concern is if these symptoms could indicate esophageal cancer for a person of my age?
Thank you for your reply.. I do not have a sore throat nor is my throat red, nor do I have a fever. The main symptom is occasionally having difficulty swallowing when I only have a small amount of saliva in the mouth. When I have a normal amount of saliva in the mouth I can swallow normally. And swallowing food and liquid is not a problem. Sometimes the food does go down the wrong way but this rarely happens. I do have heartburn sometimes after eating certain foods or drinking alcohol. I.take Rennie antacids if this happens. Obviously, my main concern is if these symptoms could indicate esophageal cancer for a person of my age?
Hello again, just wanted to check that you received my follow up question... thank you.
Brief Answer:
It can be GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
I believe that the difficulty swallowing may be related to heartburn or GERD.
I don't think it can be cancer but yet this possibility is not absolutely zero.
However, as a first step, I think you may need to do esophagoscopy because inflammation and irritation of the esophagus is probably causing you the difficulty swallowing.
An esophagoscopy is needed.
Regards
It can be GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
I believe that the difficulty swallowing may be related to heartburn or GERD.
I don't think it can be cancer but yet this possibility is not absolutely zero.
However, as a first step, I think you may need to do esophagoscopy because inflammation and irritation of the esophagus is probably causing you the difficulty swallowing.
An esophagoscopy is needed.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your second reply. I will contact a doctor in the UK for an appointment.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Wishing you good health.
Best regards.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Wishing you good health.
Best regards.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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