Esophageal cancer forms in tissues lining the esophagus and, if not detected and treated, spreads outward through the other layers. When strong digestive acids escape frpom the stomach into the esophagus they can cause a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although this usually causes a burning sensation, sometimes there are no symptoms. When the condition persists for a long time the cells lining the esophagus can mutate into glandular cells like those inside the stomach which are resistant to the acid. This condition, known as Barrett's esophagus, creates a highly increased risk of esophageal cancer. Each year more than 15,000 cases of the disease are diagnosed in the United States.

Survivor Stories

• Types of Esophageal Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors
• Esophageal Cancer Warning Signs
• Esophageal Cancer Screening
• Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
• Esophageal Cancer Treatment