Trouble Swallowing Was the First Sign: Beating Esophageal Cancer with Early Action

Sometimes the earliest warning signs of a serious disease appear in the simplest forms. For 60-year-old Mr. Ramesh Ghosh, it began with something most people might overlook—difficulty swallowing solid food. What he assumed was acidity soon progressed, making everyday eating a challenge. Thankfully, timely medical attention changed the course of his life.

When his symptoms worsened, Mr. Ghosh was referred to Dr. Kanishka Sarkar, a leading cancer specialist known for his expertise in gastrointestinal cancers. Recognizing that swallowing problems can signal something more serious, Dr. Sarkar recommended an endoscopy and biopsy.

The results revealed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma—a potentially aggressive cancer, but one that responds well when detected at an early stage.

Dr. Sarkar immediately designed a coordinated treatment plan involving chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
“Esophageal cancer often hides behind vague symptoms like heartburn or food getting stuck,” explained Dr. Sarkar. “Ramesh’s timely diagnosis made all the difference.”

Thanks to early intervention and expert care, Mr. Ghosh has now completed treatment and is steadily regaining his strength. He expresses deep gratitude for the second chance at life—one made possible simply because he chose not to ignore a seemingly minor symptom.

Dr. Kanishka’s Key Message

• Difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss? Don’t ignore it—get evaluated early.

• Tobacco, alcohol, and chronic acid reflux significantly increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

• Early diagnosis saves lives, improving both survival and quality of life.