Esophageal Cancer

Managing Your Symptoms

In most cases the cause of esophageal cancer is unclear but certain factors are known to play a part.

These include longstanding acid reflux, alcohol and tobacco. Barrett’s esophagus can lead to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The disorder is more frequent in old age. In about 5% of individuals with inflammation in the esophagus from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), the cells at the lower end of the esophagus are replaced by glandular cells resembling those of the stomach and small intestine. This change is referred to as Barrett’s esophagus. This disorder is believed to increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.