Pain behind the sternum is not necessarily esophageal cancer, but one of the presenting symptoms of esophageal cancer is pain behind the sternum.
Firstly, sternal pain may be caused by trauma, such as strong collision, squeezing, etc., resulting in damage to the sternum or local soft tissues and causing painful sensation;
The second thing to consider is a sterile inflammation of the sternum, which is usually due to local strain from overexertion, prolonged physical work, etc., which causes pain, and this pain is mainly tingling and can be noticeable when touched with the hand;
Lastly some diseases can also cause pain behind the sternum, such as esophageal cancer, esophagitis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, etc. These patients often experience sternal pain along with other noticeable symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, chest tightness, panic, shortness of breath, etc.
It is recommended that patients with these symptoms should go to the hospital in time to improve the relevant tests to investigate the specific causes, and once the disease is diagnosed, they should actively cooperate with the doctor to do a good job of treatment for early recovery.