Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long tube that allows food to pass from the throat to the stomach. The two main types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Esophageal cancer is usually discovered after individuals begin experiencing symptoms from the disease. The most common symptom of this type of cancer is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).  The disease also may cause pain in the throat or chest and unexplained weight loss.

Tobacco use, excessive consumption of alcohol and a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are all risk factors in the development of esophageal cancer. The disease is much more likely to affect men than women, and different forms of the disease affect whites and Africa-Americans to varying degrees.

Esophageal cancer is diagnosed using two primary methods: barium x-ray and upper endoscopy, in which a thin, lighted tube with a miniature camera is inserted into the esophagus.

Treatment of esophageal cancer depends on the type, location and stage of the cancer. A patient’s age, overall health and personal preferences are also taken into account. In many cases, combinations of treatment are more effective than individual therapies.