About 17,000 people are diagnosed with esophageal cancer in the United States each year. Esophageal cancer occurs when cells in the esophagus begin to grow abnormally.
In the last decade, major strides have been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer. Fred Hutch Cancer Center offers comprehensive treatment for this disease from a team of experts.
Esophageal Cancer Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
Esophageal Cancer Overview
Esophageal cancer occurs in the cells of the esophagus. These cells, which can be found in various layers of your esophageal wall, do not respond to regular cell growth, division and death signals like they are supposed to. They also don’t organize normally. Instead, they grow into a tumor, which may extend into the open space inside your esophagus or break through underlying layers of your esophageal wall.
Esophageal Cancer Facts
- Esophageal cancer usually starts in the squamous cells or glandular epithelial cells that line the esophagus. From there, cancer may spread into the esophageal wall and to nearby lymph nodes or other tissues or organs.
- Unlike some other cancers, there are no standard preventative screenings for esophageal cancer.
- In the U.S., adenocarcinoma is the more common type. The opposite is true in the rest of the world where squamous cell carcioma is the common type of esophageal cancer.
- For many people, difficulty swallowing is their first symptom.
- 90% of esophageal cancers are found in people age 55 or older.