DiseaseInjuryNutritionPoison
Special TopicSurgerySymptomsTest
2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Esophageal cancer

Definition:
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the esophagus (the muscular tube that propels food from the mouth to the stomach).

Alternative Names:
Cancer - esophagus

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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, distinguished by the way they look under the microscope: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Squamous cell cancer is associated with smoking and alcohol consumption. The incidence of this disease in the United States has remained relatively constant, while the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has risen dramatically.

Barrett's esophagus, a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.



Review Date: 7/11/2002
Reviewed By: Ezra Cohen, Ezra E.W. Cohen, M.D., Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com