Esophageal Cancer
Definition
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, which is the long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. This type of cancer is characterized by malignant cells forming in the tissues of the esophagus.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Esophageal cancer is a malignancy of the esophagus characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues of the esophagus. The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma, which arises from the epithelial cells lining the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, which typically originates from glandular cells, often associated with Barrett's esophagus resulting from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Benefits
Examples
Additional Information
- knownIssues: Dietary factors, such as low intake of fruits and vegetables, high consumption of red or processed meats, and chronic alcohol and tobacco use, are known to increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Related Terms
References
Last updated: 10/26/2024