Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

What You Need To Know About™

Cancer of the Esophagus

  • Posted: 11/21/2008

About This Booklet

This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 08-1557) is about cancer of the esophagus. Cancer that starts in this organ may also be called esophageal cancer. In 2012, more than 17,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with this disease.

Learning about medical care for esophageal cancer can help you take an active part in making choices about your care. This booklet tells about:

  • Diagnosis and staging
  • Treatment
  • Supportive care and nutrition
  • Taking part in research studies

This booklet has lists of questions that you may want to ask your doctor. Many people find it helpful to take a list of questions to a doctor visit. To help remember what your doctor says, you can take notes or ask whether you may use a tape recorder. You may also want to have a family member or friend go with you when you talk with the doctor -- to take notes, ask questions, or just listen.



Glossary Terms

cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
esophageal cancer (ee-SAH-fuh-JEE-ul KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach). Two types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
esophagus (ee-SAH-fuh-gus)
The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.
organ (OR-gun)
A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.