Gastrointestinal Cancers

Esophageal Cancer

Experts at the OSUCCC – James provide multidisciplinary esophageal cancer care from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

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The content below has been reviewed and approved by esophageal cancer experts at The James.

When it comes to cancer care, we know you want the best for either yourself or a loved one. Esophageal cancer is complex, with different treatment options; in fact, it’s a rare cancer that accounts for about 1% of all cancer diagnoses. Due to its rarity, we know you may have questions about it. Our experts at the OSUCCC – James are specially trained in understanding the latest research and treatment options for esophageal cancer treatment, including the use of minimally invasive and robotic surgery. No matter where you or a loved one are in your journey, our team will create a custom treatment plan designed with the best outcomes in mind.

What is esophageal cancer?

The esophagus is part of the digestive system. The esophagus is a hollow, muscular tube that moves food and liquid from the throat to the stomach when you swallow. Esophageal cancer is a type of gastrointestinal cancer that most often starts in the lining, or outer layer, of the esophagus and moves into the deeper layers as it grows.

These layers of esophageal lining tissue are made of cells that have DNA in them. DNA usually encodes normally, to form healthy tissues and other body parts. But when the esophageal DNA is damaged, such as over time or through other issues, tissue becomes abnormal. Abnormal tissue has cells that grow out of control and become cancerous. When this occurs, the cells can form a tumor (mass) in the esophagus. These tumors can occur anywhere along the esophagus.

Researchers are still unsure of the exact cause of esophageal cancer. However, we do know that in the United States, males assigned at birth are diagnosed with esophageal cancer more than females. We know it occurs in people with chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the more severe form of acid reflux.

Esophageal cancer also tends to be more prevalent in people who have a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that forms over time when persistent acid reflux — when the stomach’s contents back up into the lower section of the esophagus — irritates esophagus tissue. This causes the cells lining the lower part of the esophagus to become abnormal.

Importantly, Barrett’s esophagus is not the only condition associated with esophageal cancer, and there are other additional risk factors, as well.

Types of esophageal cancer

The two most frequently diagnosed forms of esophageal cancer are named after the type of cells that become cancerous (malignant). These subtypes of esophageal cancer include esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma

This cancer begins in the glandular cells of the esophagus. It’s the most common esophageal cancer type and seen more in Western societies than elsewhere in the world.

Usually, these tumors are found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. This type of cancer is related to having acid reflux, having Barrett’s esophagus or being obese.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

This cancer begins in the thin, flat cells that line the esophagus. Usually, these types of tumors are found in the upper part of the esophagus. This type of cancer may be related to the heavy use of alcohol or tobacco.