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Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer

Overview

Esophageal cancer is cancer that starts in the esophagus. This is the tube through which food moves from the mouth to the stomach. There are two main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Review Date 8/7/2023

Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.