Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer is a malignant tumour of the oesophagus. Increasing swallowing problems and unintentional weight loss are important warning signs. Early referral offers the best chance of treatment.

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Oesophageal cancer is a malignant tumour of the oesophagus. Increasing swallowing problems and unintentional weight loss are important warning signs. Early referral offers the best chance of treatment.

  • Increasing difficulty swallowing or a feeling that food is sticking.
  • Unintentional weight loss and eating less.
  • Ask for a dietitian early; do not wait until you have lost a lot of weight or strength.
  • Choose small, energy-rich portions with a safe texture that you can swallow.
  • Make an urgent appointment for increasing swallowing problems, unintentional weight loss or food sticking.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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Stomach cancerStomach cancer usually develops in the stomach lining. Early symptoms are often vague, but persistent stomach pain, feeling full quickly, difficulty swallowing, bleeding or unintentional weight loss need investigation.
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Gastro-oesophageal reflux diseaseIn gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, stomach contents regularly flow back into the oesophagus, causing troublesome symptoms or damage. Heartburn and acid regurgitation are typical, but swallowing problems, bleeding, weight loss or chest pressure are warning signs and must not be attributed to reflux alone.
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Swallowing problemsWith swallowing problems, food, drink or saliva does not pass safely or smoothly from the mouth to the stomach. The cause may lie in the mouth, throat, nervous system or oesophagus. Choking, weight loss and dehydration need timely assessment.