Pronounced: Ee-sof-uh-gee-uhl Can-ser
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal cancer (EC) is cancer that starts in this tube.
There are two main types of EC:
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Cancer is when cells in the body split without control or order. These cells go on to form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to harmful growths. These growths attack nearby tissues. They also spread to other parts of the body. It is not clear exactly what causes these problems. It’s likely a mix of genes and the environment.
The changes may be caused by irritants such as:
EC is more common in men. It's also more common in people aged 50 years and older.
Your chances for EC are also higher for:
Symptoms may not happen until later. When symptoms happen, EC may cause:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your answers and a physical exam may point to EC. You may also have:
The exam and your test results will help find out the stage of cancer you have. Staging guides your treatment plan. EC is staged from 0-4. Stage 0 is a very localized cancer. Stage 4 is a spread to other parts of the body.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options are based on the stage of your EC. You may have one or more of the following:
Surgery may be needed. It may be the only treatment, or it may be done in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Types include:
Radiation kills cancer cells and shrink tumors. It does not cure EC. It offers brief relief of symptoms. It may also shrink the tumor. It used with chemotherapy. It may also be done after an esophagectomy.
It may be:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms. It may given by mouth, shots, or IV. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
Chemotherapy alone will not cure EC. It is only used when the cancer has spread and can’t be cured. It is used to help shrink the tumor, ease pain, or control nausea.
A mix of drugs and special lights are used to try to kill cancer cells. The cells absorb the medicine. The lights stimulate the medicine to kill the cells.
This therapy may not be useful in some people.
To help lower your chances of EC:
This type of cancer is often found in later stages. People who have risk factors, especially GERD or Barrett esophagus, should talk to their doctor about screening tests. Screening tests will look for cancer before symptoms appear.
American Association of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
https://www.entnet.org
American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org
Canadian Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.ca
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
https://www.entcanada.org
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Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP