Understanding Esophageal Cancer

There are two types of esophageal cancer including:
- Squamous cell – cancer of the proximal esophagus and throat
- Adenocarcinoma – cancer of the lower esophagus and proximal stomach
Certain risk factors have been identified. They include:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Heavy consumption of alcohol
- Obesity
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Barrett's esophagus
One major factor is believed to be chronic stomach acid or acid reflux, which can alter the cells in the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, may in time develop into a condition called Barrett’s esophagus in which the cells lining the esophagus are structurally altered by long term exposure to stomach acid.
Learn more about GERD and Barrett’s esophagus and what you can do to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer.