What is Esophageal Cancer?

The esophagus is a long muscular tube that transports the food you swallow to the digestive system. The inside lining of the esophagus is composed of cells that are able to renew themselves in a controlled fashion. Certain conditions can alter the genetic make-up of these cells and cause them to grow uncontrollably, producing a cancer. Esophageal cancer usually starts in the cells lining the inside of the esophagus and grows toward the outer wall.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

There are two main types of esophageal cancer: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

• Adenocarcinoma

  Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in Western societies. It often starts in the lower part of the esophagus, a region known as the gastroesophageal (GE) junction. This disease has become much more prevalent in recent years due to gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity, which causes stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of esophageal cancer in the West, though it is the most common form of esophageal cancer worldwide. It usually starts in the middle or upper part of the esophagus and is often caused by irritants such as smoking and alcohol consumption.