Esophageal Cancer

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Although esophageal cancer is rare, the most common kinds of the disease are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma usually begins in the cells that form the top layer of the esophageal lining. Adenocarcinoma most often develops in people who have Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the lining of the esophagus near the opening of the stomach changes in response to constant exposure to stomach acids (known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD).

Memorial Sloan-Kettering is one of the few National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers with a specific program for treating cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus.

In this section, you can find information about our expertise in treating patients with esophageal cancer, our services, and our research.

Our Approach & Expertise
The Upper Gastrointestinal Disease Management Team comprises some 30 physicians, including surgeons, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists.
Our Team of Experts
At Memorial Sloan-Kettering, patients with esophageal cancer are treated by our Upper Gastrointestinal Disease Management Team, which includes nearly 30 doctors who specialize in treating esophageal cancer.
Overview
Esophageal cancer is cancer of the esophagus, the hollow muscular tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach to be digested.
Risk Factors, Prevention & Screening
People with Barrett's esophagus and GERD are at an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Symptoms
Esophageal cancer rarely causes symptoms until the cancer is advanced.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects that you may have esophageal cancer, he or she may recommend that you have a barium x-ray of your upper gastrointestinal system.
Treatment
The choice of treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the stage of the disease -- that is, how large the tumor has grown, how deeply it has invaded the layers of the esophagus, and whether it has spread to nearby organs, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.
Our Clinical Trials
A continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials for esophageal cancer.
Survivorship & Support
Once treatment is completed, your doctor will continue to see you regularly for follow-up examinations and tests in order to monitor your health or to detect cancer recurrence or spread, should it occur.

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