Esophageal Cancer:

If you or a loved one is dealing with a diagnosis of esophageal or gastric cancer, our comprehensive care team of gastrointestinal cancer specialists at West Cancer Center & Research Institute is here to surround you with the latest treatments and technology to design a personalized treatment plan specific for your disease. Our goal is to also provide resources and information to better help you understand and manage your disease.

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer develops in the lining of the esophagus, a hollow tube that carries liquids and food from your mouth to your stomach, and usually starts in the innermost layer. Since 2 types of cells can line the esophagus, there are 2 main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

ADENOCARCINOMA

This is the most common form of esophageal cancer which starts off in the glandular cells, mainly at the lower end of the esophagus and upper region of the stomach. While most prevalent in overweight, middle-aged white men, this cancer has been on the increase in recent years due to the increase in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

SMALL CELL CARCINOMA

This rare form of esophageal cancer begin in the cells that release hormones into your bloodstream in response to signal waves (neuroendocrine cells)

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

The thin, flat cells that line the inside of your esophagus (squamous cells) is where this form of esophageal cancer originates and it is strongly linked to drinking too much alcohol and smoking.