Esophageal cancer
Alternate Names : Cancer - esophagus
Definition
Esophageal cancer is a cancerous (malignant) tumor of the esophagus, the muscular tube that moves food from the mouth to the stomach. See also: Barrett's esophagus
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Esophageal cancer is relatively uncommon in the United States. It occurs most often in men over 50 years old. Two main types of esophageal cancer exist: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These two types look different from each other under the microscope. Squamous cell esophageal cancer is associated with smoking and alcohol consumption.
Barrett's esophagus, a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), significantly increases the risk for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Other risk factors for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus include: - Alcohol use
- Male gender
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
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