Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Narrowed esophagus due to external pressure effects

August 26, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day! I am 30 years old. About 4 weeks ago, I underwent a stomach and colonoscopy due to sharp pains in the abdominal area and reflux. No abnormalities were found in the stomach and intestines, but a "constriction of the proximal esophagus" was detected. I do not have difficulty swallowing directly, but I have been struggling with back pain and poor posture all my life. These symptoms are currently recurring frequently. Soon I have to undergo a CT scan to rule out a mediastinal process. Until then, I can only hope that it is nothing serious. However, most internet sources suggest tumors that compress the esophagus from the outside. Are there any experiences here, theoretically, what it could be? Thank you in advance!

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

However, these cases do exist. There are indeed cases in which the esophagus is constricted by the spine. Since you likely have poor posture, this may be the cause. Another possibility could be swollen lymph nodes, for example in sarcoidosis, or tumors, which are rare at your age.

Best wishes,

Sincerely, Dr. Höllering