Esophageal cancer is a serious and often silent disease that affects the esophagus — the long, hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. While it's less common than other types of cancer, its aggressive nature and subtle early symptoms make early detection absolutely critical.
🔍 What Is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer occurs when cells in the lining of the esophagus begin to grow uncontrollably.
There are two main types:
Adenocarcinoma: Usually develops in the lower part of the esophagus; more common in the U.S. and often linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Typically forms in the upper or middle sections; more common worldwide and often associated with smoking and alcohol use.
Both types can be aggressive and tend to spread quickly if not caught early.
⚠️ Why It Can Go Undetected
One of the challenges with esophageal cancer is that it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms at first.
When symptoms do appear, the cancer is often already advanced.
Early symptoms may be subtle and easy to ignore:
Difficulty swallowing (feeling like food is stuck)
Chest pain or pressure
Unexplained weight loss
Hoarseness or chronic cough
Indigestion or heartburn that worsens over time
Because these symptoms can mimic common digestive issues, many people delay seeking medical help — which allows the disease to progress.
Who Is at Risk?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer:
Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition)
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
Obesity
Diet low in fruits and vegetables
Age over 50 years
Family history of esophageal cancer
Men are also significantly more likely than women to develop this cancer.