HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

I Have Pain In My Esophagus When I Swallow And

Posted on Wed, 26 Dec 2018

Question: I have pain in my esophagus when I swallow and have for about 3 weeks. I had an endoscopy and CT Thorax about a year ago that only showed GERD. Could this be cancer that has developed in a year?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely to be cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

It is less likely to be cancer.
Painful swallowing occurs when the esophagus is inflamed or ulcerated.
You probably have esophagitis.
A repeat endoscopy may be done to see whether you have esophagitis.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (19 hours later)

Is there anything I can do to ease the pain in the mean time? What makes you think this is esophagitis rather than esophageal cancer? What other signs should I be looking for?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The answer is given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Oesophagal cancer is less likely. This is because about a year ago, the oesophagus was normal as per endoscopy and one year is too short a period to develop oesophagal cancer without any preexisting lesion in the oesophagus.

Painful swallowing is a symptom which occurs when the lining of the oesophagus is inflamed or eroded. Inflamed oesophagus occurs in esophagitis.

So kindly get a repeat endoscopy done.

Meanwhile, you can take Prilosec and Gaviscon for relief.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (55 minutes later)

Thank you again. Last follow up - would esophagitis potentially also cause pain when belching and having hiccups as well? I'm worried it's something worse because of it hurting when those things happen also.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes, GERD & Esophagitis can cause those symptoms.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana