Esophageal Cancer

Overview: The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food from the back of the mouth, through the middle of the chest, and to the stomach. Two types of cancer can affect the esophagus: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Causes: Smoking and alcohol use are the main causes of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. In contrast, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is caused mainly by reflux of stomach acid (called GERD). Symptoms: Both types of esophageal cancer cause similar symptoms. Patients find it difficult or painful to swallow, which can lead to weight loss.

Treatment: Most patients undergo combinations of treatments for esophageal cancer. Surgery is considered standard treatment. However, patients with aggressive disease may receive radiation therapy and chemotherapy in addition to surgery. If patients cannot have surgery, they may receive radiation therapy and chemotherapy together.

Risk of Radiation Cardiotoxicity: Because the esophagus passes through the middle of the chest, directly behind the heart, treating this area with radiation therapy can affect the heart.