The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing the food and drinks, which is also known as dysphagia. This difficulty tends to worsen as the tumor grows and obstructs more of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is most common among people over the age of 50 Other possible symptoms of esophageal cancer include: chronic cough hoarseness bleeding in the esophagus an increase in indigestion or heartburn