Esophageal Cancer Information
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What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is cancer that begins in the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and stomach. If the cancer spreads outside the esophagus, it often goes to the lymph nodes first. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the immune system. Esophageal cancer can also spread to almost any other part of the body, including the liver, lungs, brain and bones.
Approximately 11,000 to 13,000 new cases of esophageal cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Esophageal cancer is more common in men than in women.
Types of Esophageal Cancer
The following are two common types of esophageal cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of esophageal cancer begins in thin, flat cells usually lining the upper and middle part of the esophagus.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of esophageal cancer begins in the glandular (secretory) cells that make and release mucus and other fluids in the lower part of the esophagus.
Related Conditions:
Barrett Esophagus may develop in individuals with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Chronic regurgitation of stomach acid over time may cause changes in the cells lining the lower end of the esophagus. These altered cells may begin to resemble stomach cells--and these changes may lead to the development of precancerous cells.
Next Topic: Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors
