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Esophageal Cancer

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

Esophageal cancer is cancer that forms in the cells that line the esophagus. There are two types of esophageal cancer:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus
  • Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids

Symptoms

Symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

  • Anemia 
  • Chest pain or discomfort 
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Weight loss

 

When to see a doctor

If you’re worried about symptoms or if your symptoms persist, it’s time to see a doctor. Screening for esophageal cancer is not routine. It requires the expertise of a doctor trained to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the esophagus.

 

Causes and risk factors

Esophageal cancer develops when cells that line the esophagus develop changes in their DNA. Certain factors can increase your risk of esophageal cancer:

  • Age: 65 or older
  • Gender: Male
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Chronic heartburn or acid reflux
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Barrett’s esophagus 
  • Achalasia 
  • Obesity

Treatment options

If you are diagnosed with esophageal cancer, your treatment may include: 

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have esophageal cancer. They also may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Biopsy
  • Upper GI endoscopy 

Prevention

You may not be able to prevent esophageal cancer. However, you can avoid some of the risk factors associated with it, such as smoking and alcohol use.

Additional conditions

Pancreatitis

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Barrett’s Esophagus