Basic information about esophageal cancer

by Specialist

Esophageal cancer is a disease that produces malignant (malignant tumor) cells in the tissues of the esophagus.

The esophagus is the hollow muscular tube that carries food and fluid from the pharynx to the stomach. The esophageal wall is formed by several layers of tissue, including mucosa, muscle, and connective tissue. Esophageal cancer begins in the lining of the esophagus and spreads outward through other layers as it grows.

The esophagus and stomach are part of the upper GI (digestive) system.

The two most common types of esophageal cancer are named after the cell types that transform into malignant (cancerous) cells:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Also called epidermoid carcinoma, this is a cancer that originates from thin, flattened cells in the esophagus. This cancer is commonly found in the middle and upper part of the esophagus, but may occur anywhere in the esophagus. In China, more than 90% of esophageal cancers are esophageal squamous carcinomas.
  • Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular cells. Esophageal gland cells produce and secrete fluid, such as mucus. Adenocarcinoma usually begins in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus accounts for less than 10% of all esophageal cancers in this country.

    See the PDQ overview below for more information about esophageal cancer.

  • Prevention of esophageal cancer
  • Esophageal cancer treatment (adults)

    Esophageal cancer is most often seen in men. In China esophageal cancer is also seen more often in men.

    Men are about three times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than women. More new cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma are found each year, and fewer new cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is more common in blacks than in whites. The incidence of esophageal cancer increases with age. Men are much more likely to develop esophageal cancer than women. In China, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is more common. The incidence of esophageal cancer increases with age.

    Smoking, alcohol abuse, and Barrett’s esophagus all affect the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

    Any factor that increases the risk of developing the disease is called a risk factor. The presence of a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer. The absence of risk factors also does not mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they are at risk for cancer should talk to their doctor about it.

    Risk factors for squamous esophageal cancer include:

  • Smoking.
  • Alcohol abuse.
  • Malnutrition (lack of nutrients and/or inadequate caloric intake).
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
  • Callositis.
  • Have esophageal flaccidity.
  • Swallowing alkaline fluids (a chemical in cleaning agents).
  • Drinking hot drinks on a regular basis.

    Risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma include:

  • Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Barrett’s esophagus.
  • Previous use of medications that relax the lower esophageal sphincter (the circular muscle that opens and closes the opening between the esophagus and stomach).
  • Overweight.