Hi,
Noted your history of balloon placement in stomach for
weight loss but no results hence removes, have had phlegm in throat and now discomfort while swallowing, worried about cancer.
Well, cancer is usually painless in such area and the other symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, loss of weight can be the only presenting symptoms in initial period.
Surely one has to know the cause hence I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Consult a Gastroenterologist for upper GI
Endoscopy, Barium contrast studies and these will help to know the exact cause of your symptoms.
Once the cause is found then it will be easy for proper management as per the cause found.
If inflammatory then a course of an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory will help for cure.
If the problem is something else then the cause is treated.
Try other modalities for weight loss like Diet control, increase in physical exercises. Avoid sugar and carbohydrates.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon