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Major Spencer
Cancer of the esophagus, or esophageal carcinoma, is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the esophagus. Dr. Patel, can you tell us more about esophageal cancer?
Dr. Patel
Of course, Major Spencer. There are two main types of cancer that can occur in the esophagus. One is called squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the flat cells lining the esophagus. This type of cancer is most often found in the upper and middle part of the esophagus.
The other type of esophageal cancer, called adenocarcinoma, begins in the glandular cells, which make and release mucus and other fluids. Adenocarcinomas usually form in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.
Because there aren't usually any early signs or symptoms until the cancer grows larger, esophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the survival rate is significantly lower.