Odd feeling in esophageal area

Hi,
I am a 45-year-old female, 5'6", 125 lbs., healthy, mostly vegetarian, very moderate drinker, former smoker (stopped in 1991). Two months ago I began noticing an odd feeling in my esophagus -- a sort of pressure, almost as if I had swallowed a ping-pong ball. It came and went but has been increasingly present these past 2 weeks. I saw my family doctor who said "Sounds like GERD" and prescribed a 21-day course of apo-omeprazole. One week later, nothing has changed. I very much doubt it is GERD, given my generally moderate lifestyle, age, state of health, etc. plus the fact that I have had no other symptoms (no acid taste, nothing I would qualify as heartburn, etc.). I am wondering if this feeling is a known symptom of esophageal cancer. The reason I am asking is, I know that there are some links between HPV and esophageal cancer. I am no stranger to this virus: in 2002 I had a hysterectomy to deal with cervical cancer.
Any opinions? I will be following up on this with my own doctor, but he is away at present.
Thank you,
Anne

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I suggest further workup.  The next step would be an upper endoscopy or upper GI series.  These tests can evaluate for GERD, inflammation, an ulcer or esophageal cancer.  

Blood tests can also be done to check for H Pylori, a bacteria associated with inflammation or an ulcer.

This can be discussed with your physician, or in conjunction with a GI referral.

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

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com