Also known as acid reflux, GERD causes stomach acid to repeatedly enter your esophagus. This can cause irritation.

Over time, GERD can develop into Barrett’s esophagus. This condition causes the esophagus to thicken and turn red. Barrett’s esophagus is a risk factor for esophageal cancer.

You may face a higher risk if you are over age 55.

A history of HPV can put you at a higher risk for developing esophageal cancer.

Having obesity can increase your risk for esophageal cancer.

Regular tobacco and alcohol use can increase your risk.

We may do surgery to remove the cancer and surrounding tissues. In some cases, we may remove part of the esophagus. Surgery is often performed minimally invasively with robotic surgery.

We give you anti-cancer drugs injected into your vein or by mouth (with pills) to treat cancer cells throughout your body. Chemotherapy is often given with radiation therapy to increase its effectiveness.

We use high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. We may combine radiation therapy with chemotherapy and surgery.

We use the latest immunotherapy approaches to treat many cancers, including esophageal cancer. This treatment uses your own immune system to destroy cancer cells.

We may treat early stage esophageal cancers with endoscopic procedures that remove small tumors.

Using tobacco products and alcohol raises the risk of esophageal cancer.

Being overweight or obese increases your chance of getting esophageal cancer.

A diet full of fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of esophageal cancer.

Both conditions increase the risk of getting esophageal cancer. Talk to your provider about your treatment options if you have received a GERD or Barrett’s esophagus diagnosis.