Esophageal Cancer

Overview

Esophageal cancer is a serious form of cancer that develops in the esophagus, the long tube that connects the back of your mouth with your stomach. The most common types of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular cells producing fluids such as mucus, and squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in flat cells of the esophageal lining.

Although all the causes of esophageal cancer aren't known, chronic irritation from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, smoking, obesity and heavy alcohol use are leading risk factors for the disease.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for esophageal cancer

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic is an internationally recognized center for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Mayo experts use advanced imaging and endoscopic techniques, such as endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic mucosal resection, to evaluate your esophageal cancer. In tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of radiation overexposure.
• Teamwork. Because successful esophageal cancer treatment can be extremely complex, Mayo Clinic brings together a team of experts, which may include gastroenterologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, dietitians and others as needed.
• Cutting-edge care. Tremendous advances have occurred in esophageal cancer treatment over the past decade, and Mayo Clinic uses the latest therapies. Treatment options range from minimally invasive endoscopic therapies that have a low risk of complications and preserve the esophagus to more extensive surgery that involves removal of part of the esophagus (esophagectomy). In certain circumstances, chemotherapy and radiation therapy also may play important roles in treatment.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about Esophageal Cancer.