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I have had a hoarse voice for over a month.Is it a symptom of esophageal cancer?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had a scratchy/hoarse voice for over a month. For the last 7 days I have a feeling as if something is stuck in my throat directly in the center and as if someone is pushing on my throat. I have seen two different ENT doctors. The first one diagnosed me with rhinitis and globus. The second one said my esophagus is a little red and diagnosed me with GERD.

I had chest x-ray, CT of chest and neck, all of which came back normal. I had a barium swallow test and the doctor said he saw some reflux. I have also started burping up a little food after I eat and feel a pain in my breast bone.

When I searched the internet, it says esophageal cancer. Now I am freaking out and I am so scared.

Wouldn't it show up on any of the tests I have had done?

Do these sound like symptoms of esophageal cancer?

I am a 34 year old mother of three children and I feel devastated. The only thing left to do is an endoscopy, but doctors do not feel I need it and I am scared to get one. Do you think I need an endoscopy and could this be esophageal cancer? Please help.
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The complaints you are describing fit into the following conditions:

1. Chronic laryngitis.

2. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

If there would have been a cancer, CT scan and barium swallow must have given an idea or hint.

Since they were clear it is very unlikely to be an esophageal cancer.

Now to help you better I need a few details:

  • Did you experience any weight loss?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you snore while sleeping at night?
  • Have you got your thyroid function test done?
  • What are your current medications?

Revert back with the asked details to a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

  • I have lost 30 pounds, but I switched my diet and have been exercising.
  • I quit smoking 5 years ago, but before that I had smoked for 13 years.
  • I had all my blood work done and everything is normal. If these were symptoms of esophageal cancer, wouldn't it show up on a CT scan or is the cancer too small?
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • You are right. Small cancer could be missed in the investigations but do you know that these symptoms of cancer appear when the cancer or tumor is big enough to compress the surrounding structures causing the voice change. 
  • So, I would not keep a possibility of cancer in this scenario.
  • Since you were a smoker and had intentional weight reduction these symptoms can also be related to weight loss.

I would advice you to do the following:

  • Get a repeat thyroid profile and fasting blood sugar done.
  • Take an anti-allergic medication like Levocetirizine.
  • Take a combination of Pantoprazole and Domperidone for acid reflux.
  • Take soft and bland diet. and always take a little walk after your meals.
  • Make sure you do not smoke or consume alcohol.
  • Make a habit of gargling twice a day.

I hope that by following these measures you would improve within 2 weeks. Write back to me after 2 weeks and if no improvement occurs we would plan further treatment.

Get well soon.

Review with a medical gastroenterologist online after two weeks --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Answered byDr. Anshul Varshney

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At July 25, 2015
Reviewed AtFebruary 11, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

Consult this doctor
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