Cancer of the Esophagus
- Cancer of the Esophagus Introduction
- Risk Factors
- Cancer of the Esophagus Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Cancer of the Esophagus Treatment
- Prognosis
- Prevention
- Multimedia
- Synonyms and Keywords
- References
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Esophageal Cancer - Symptoms and Signs
Cancer of the Esophagus Introduction
The esophagus is a muscular tube measuring 20-25 cm (8-10 in) long and 2-3 cm (0.75-1.25 in) wide that serves as a conduit for moving food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. Two major types of esophageal cancers exist, as follows:
- Squamous cell carcinoma arises from the epithelial cells that line the esophagus.
- Adenocarcinoma arises from the esophageal glands or within a segment of Barrett esophagus.
- Most tumors occur in the lower esophagus.
- Forty percent occur in the lowest third.
- Forty-five percent occur in the middle third.
- Fifteen percent occur in the upper third.
Next: Risk Factors »
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Esophageal Cancer - Symptoms and Signs
What were the symptoms and signs you experienced with esophageal cancer?
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Cancer of the Esophagus
Cancer: What You Need to Know »
When the Diagnosis Is Cancer
The news comes like a sledgehammer into the stomach: "I’m sorry to tell you, but you have cancer."
Every year, a million Americans are devastated by news of cancer or another dreaded disease. What soon follows is an avalanche, a tidal wave of emotions: fear, anger, bewilderment, indecision, and the need to reach out to a family member or a loved one for support and encouragement.
Quite often, a person's first reaction is to think, "No way, not me. I’m a good person," as if the cancer resulted as a punishment for unresolved issues. Then comes an overwhelming need to get information. And that is probably why you are reading this.
You need to become the best and smartest patient your doctor ever had, simply because you need to be.
For most people, the cancer can be cured or controlled by surgery and, in some cases, by combinations of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Never before has the outlook for c...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Esophageal Cancer »
Esophageal carcinoma was well described at the beginning of the 19th century, and the first successful resection was performed in 1913 by Frank Torek.
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