Hi all, I've had stomach issues and acid reflux on and off for at least 10+ years (now 39 years old). For the last two months I have been extremely stressed at work and my stomach had been playing up (mainly bloating no matter what i eat) Then I started to notice my throat began feeling stingy and itchy, and pretty soon I was struggling to talk without the urge to cough. My voice has grown hoarse also, and whenever I tried talking louder I would cough. My throat/upper chest began to feel tight, dry, and sometimes would have a buildup of mucous at the base of the esophagus. I also have upper back pains that feels like strained muscles, not sure if it's due to the acid reflux as well.
Two days ago we had friends over and I was talking more, and I felt that I may have irritated my throat even more, because the following day I noticed the tightness in my throat was more prominent and food seems to be stuck at the base of the esophagus, and I would have to swallow a few more times to get it down.
I saw my GP today, where I mentioned I had an endoscopy back in 2014 and the report showed I had Barrett's Esophagus (but back then the doctor only told me verbally it was inflamed). In 2015 I went for a follow-up at a different hospital for a small bump in the stomach they've found in the 2014 endoscopy, and was told that they did not see signs of Barrett's Esophagus. The GP said because it was such a long time ago, he would suggest I get another endoscopy, because if it really was Barrett's Esophagus I would have to get one periodically.
I asked what the percentages are for them to find something sinister, the GP said he can't give me a percentage but chances are low.
Nevertheless I am massively freaking out, especially when I saw on my referral that it was due to "Suspected Upper GI cancer". Rationally I know it was probably because GP has to write that in order for me to get an appointment, or get one faster. But I cannot shake the voice in my head saying this means I might have cancer.
I have been spiralling all day and especially the fact that my throat situation (which i thought had become a bit better) worsen again (tickly sensation, coughing when talking)
Please can anyone give me some assurance on this I would really appreciate it :(