In malignant esophageal strictures, weight loss is commonly accompanied by which additional symptom?

• A. Weight loss and anorexia
• B. Increased saliva
• C. Weight gain
• D. No appetite changes

Answer: (A)

Weight loss in malignant esophageal strictures is typically seen together with anorexia because cancer and its effects reduce appetite and intake. The tumor narrows the esophagus, causing painful or difficult swallowing, so people eat less. At the same time, cancer-related metabolic changes and inflammatory signals curb appetite, leading to a loss of desire to eat. This combination—weight loss plus reduced appetite—best fits the usual pattern in malignancy. Increased saliva can occur with obstruction in some cases, but it isn’t the characteristic accompanying symptom with weight loss; weight gain or no appetite changes would not align with cancer-related cachexia and reduced intake.