Esophageal Cancer
Alternate Names : Cancer - Esophagus
Definition Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the esophagus (the muscular tube that propels food from the mouth to the stomach).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Esophageal cancer is relatively uncommon in the United States, and occurs most often in men over 50 years old. It affects less than 5 in 100,000 people. There are two main types of esophageal cancer, distinguished by the way they look under the microscope: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Squamous cell cancer is associated with smoking and alcohol consumption. The incidence of this disease in the United States has remained relatively constant, while the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has risen dramatically.
Barrett's esophagus, a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
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