Esophageal cancer?!?

Question

Please help me. I am very worried now. I've been getting a stabbing pain between my shoulder blades (breast level, a little to the right side) in my upper back after almost every time I eat. I also have some throat pain which (could also be due to my allergic rhinitis). This has been going on for about a week. I am very worried that it could be a peptic ulcer or even esophageal cancer. The thing is that i am a 19 year-old female. Should I even be concerned about cancer?

Any advice will be deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

You probably have a hiatal hernia or severe esophagitis.  There are precancerous conditions that can prevent, such as Barrett's esophagitis, but as stated above, you'd have to be a heavy drinker, etc.  You can also have achalasia or some esophageal dysmotility.

Answer 2

There is one way,and only one way to be sure. Go see a Gastroenterologist. If he thinks your symptoms warrant, he can look to make sure you do not have a cancer of the esophagus.  Just tell him you don't want to know anything about it if he scopes you.

Unexplained pain should always be investigated.

Answer 3

Unless you have early, young, cancer in your family or you drink alcohol super heavy for many years, I would not worry. You still need to see your primary DR. It could be gas or heart burn. These symptoms you describe could be either and cured with tums or a prescription.