Esophageal cancer begins when abnormal cells in the esophagus grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Because every patient’s situation is unique, our team at Illinois CancerCare focuses on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans designed to give you the best possible outcome. The two most common types are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which tend to occur in different parts of the esophagus and have different risk factors.
Understanding the Esophagus
The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Its wall has several layers—mucosa, submucosa, muscle, and connective tissue—and cancer typically begins in the inner lining, growing outward over time.
Types of Esophageal Cancer
Adenocarcinoma
Most common in the U.S., usually forming in the lower esophagus near the stomach.
Squamous cell carcinoma
More common in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus.
Rare types
Small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma (very uncommon).
Signs & Symptoms
Early esophageal cancer may cause no symptoms. As the tumor grows, symptoms can include:
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but should be discussed with your clinician.
Risk Factors
The most common risk pattern in the U.S. is adenocarcinoma linked to longstanding reflux and Barrett’s esophagus, especially in men.
Prevention
Many colorectal cancers are preventable:
Screening
There is no standard screening test for people at average risk. Screening may be recommended if you have:
Screening evaluations may include upper endoscopy to assess the lining of the esophagus.
Diagnosis
To diagnose esophageal cancer, your care team may use:
Staging
Esophageal cancer is staged using the TNM system (tumor size/depth, lymph node involvement, and metastasis). Broadly:
Stage 0
Highgrade dysplasia; abnormal cells limited to inner lining
Stage I
Tumor limited to shallow layers of the esophagus
Stage II-III
Deeper growth into the wall, nearby nodes may be involved
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to distant organs
Your care team will explain your stage and what it means for treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment is personalized based on stage, cancer type, location, overall health, and your goals. Care is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team.
EarlyStage Cancer or HighGrade Dysplasia
Locally Advanced Cancer
Often treated with multimodality therapy, such as:
Advanced/Metastatic Disease
Your Illinois CancerCare team will discuss the benefits, risks, and timing of each treatment—and whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for you.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on stage at diagnosis, tumor type, location, overall health, and response to treatment. Across the U.S., the 5year relative survival is approximately 22%, with significantly better outcomes for earlystage disease.
Your physician will explain what your individual factors mean for your outlook.
Follow Up Care
After treatment, follow-up typically includes:
Your followup schedule is personalized based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Living With Esophageal Cancer
Illinois CancerCare offers comprehensive support, including:
National cancer organizations (including ACS) also offer education, support groups, and practical resources.
Why Choose Illinois CancerCare
Sources & Patient Friendly References
All information was taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and ACS (American Cancer Society).