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Esophageal Cancer

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Body		|
|		 Complications|
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Healthy		|
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Definition

Esophageal cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the esophagus, the muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.

Alternative Names

Cancer - esophagus

Causes

Esophageal cancer is relatively uncommon in the United States, and occurs most often in men over 50 years old. It affects less than 5 in 100,000 people. There are two main types of esophageal cancer --squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These two types look different from each other under the microscope.

Squamous cell cancer is associated with smoking and alcohol consumption (More)

General Information

  • About Esophageal Cancer
  • Barrett's Esophagus OSU Article
  • Cancer of the Esophagus - What You Need to Know (NCI)
  • (More)

    • The Body

  • Alcohol Consumption Adam Article
  • Bodily Defenses Against Cancer (Merck)
  • Cancer Genetics Overview NetWellness Article
  • (More)

    • Complications

  • Anemia Adam Article
  • Brain Metastases Adam Article
  • Liver Metastases Adam Article
  • (More)

    • Symptoms and Tests

  • Barium Swallow X-ray Adam Article
  • Biopsy Adam Article
  • Bronchoscopy Adam Article
  • (More)

    • Treatment

  • Radiation Therapy NetWellness Article
  • Alternative Therapy and Cancer Treatments Ask an Expert Q and A
  • Alternative Therapy: Merck Manual, Second Home Edition (Merck)
  • (More)

    • Staying Healthy

  • Esophageal Cancer (PDQ®): Prevention
  • Guidelines for Pureed Meals - Proper Nutrition on a Pureed Diet NetWellness Article
  • Heartburn Prevention - Image Adam Article
  • (More)

    • Additional information on Esophageal Cancer

  • Research/Other News
  • Facts and Figures
  • Insurance/Financing
  • Organizations, Directories
  • For Ohioans
  • PubMed Search
  • Spanish Language websites

    • Ask an Expert

    Previous Questions

    Stage IV esophageal cancer
    Non-operable esophageal cancer
    Where is the best place to go!!
    Esophageal cancer
    Swallowing difficulties

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    NetWellness Expert Susan Moffatt-Bruce Susan Moffatt-Bruce, MD, PhD
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    Specific Diseases/Conditions

    Barrett's Esophagus
    Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Heartburn
    (More)

    Related Topics

    Digestive Disorders
    Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
    Obesity and Weight Management
    (More)