MY SYMPTOMS

MY PROBLEM STARTED IN JUNE WHEN I DRANK COLD FLUIDS I WOULD GET A SPASM IN MYLOWER CHEST. STARTED TO HAVE INDIGESTION AND PAIN IN CHEST NOT HEARTBURN WENT TO DOCTOR TOLD I HAD GERD THE INDIGESTION STOPPED AFTER TAKING ZANTAC. THEN A STARTED HAVING DULL PAINS AT SHOULDER BLADES. NOW I GET A FEELING OF PRESSURE WHEN DRINKING CARBONATED FLUIDS.  i BURP FREQUENTLY.  mY STOOL IS NOT BLACK BUT DARK BROWN AND SMELLS BAD. I HAVE NO PROBLEMS EATING FODDD. LATELY I FEEL HOT BUT ONLY FROM NECK UP. HAVE NO TEMPERATURE. I AM CONCERNED WITH ESPHAGEAL CANCER. WHAT ELSE COULD THIS BE .  i HAVE GAINED 10 POUNDS SINCE JUNE.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Esophageal dysmotility and spasm can be considered.  An upper GI series or 24-hr pH study with motility studies can be considered to look for these possibilities.  I would also consider an upper endoscopy.  Together, these tests can rule out esophageal cancer, as well as a variety of upper GI disorders.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a gastroenterologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[TICTIC99]

I HAVE A SERIUS PROBLEM! I THINK ABOUT DIEING OF ESPHOGAL CANCER EVERY DAY,I CONSTINTLY LOOK UP DIFFERNT CANCER SITES. I HAVE BEEN TO 5 DOCTORS AND THEY ALL SAY IDONT HAVE CANCER. THIS OBSESSION HAS DESTROID MY LIFE,NOBODY BELIVES ME WHEN I SAY THAT I AM SMARTER THAN THE DR.PLEASE HELP ME PUT MY LIFE BACK TOGETHER

[cari0]

If you're that concerned about it, then have an upper endoscopy.  But it doesn't sound to me like you have it either.  You wouldn't be gaining weight, you'd be losing it.  It sounds like you might have GERD, or maybe even gallstones, or H.Pylori.  But if you're really concerned about the cancer, make them test you!  It's YOUR body, not theirs.  You can have them order a test.  At least look until you find a doctor who understands your concerns and actually WANTS to help find out what it is.  They're out there.