Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help if:
You cannot swallow saliva or fluids
Food is stuck and is affecting breathing
You vomit a large amount of blood
You pass black stools and feel faint, weak, or breathless
You develop severe chest pain or sudden breathing difficulty
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange a prompt medical assessment if you develop new difficulty swallowing, food repeatedly feels stuck, or swallowing is becoming harder.
You should also seek assessment for unexplained weight loss, ongoing vomiting, persistent chest discomfort, worsening indigestion, or a hoarse voice that does not settle.
Contact your cancer team promptly if known esophageal cancer or its treatment is causing reduced food or fluid intake, increasing pain, fever, repeated vomiting, or new shortness of breath.
These symptoms should not wait for routine follow-up.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Esophageal cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.