Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Cancer of the esophagus is a serious but treatable condition. Our experts offer advanced treatment and compassionate care.
Medically reviewed by David Tom Cooke, M.D. on Nov. 13, 2023.
What Is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus. The esophagus is a hollow, muscular tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach. There are two main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (which originates in the esophagus lining) and adenocarcinoma (which begins in cells that make mucus).
At UC Davis Health, our esophageal cancer specialists have expertise in diagnosing and treating esophageal cancer. We offer the latest tests and the most advanced treatment options to relieve your symptoms.
On this page
Esophageal Cancer Symptoms
Early esophageal cancer may not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, the most common signs are weight loss and difficult or even painful swallowing.
Common Symptoms
Possible signs of esophageal cancer include:
- Weight loss
- Pain when swallowing
- Chronic pain in the chest or back
- Heartburn
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus
- A hoarse voice or cough that lasts more than two weeks
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate care if you have any of the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding in your esophagus
- Black stool
Causes of Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is often caused by chronic irritation in the esophagus which may cause cancer cells to grow. Irritation may be due to:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Also known as acid reflux, GERD causes stomach acid to repeatedly enter your esophagus. This can cause irritation.
Barrett’s Esophagus
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.
Risk Factors of Esophageal Cancer
Anyone can develop esophageal cancer. The following factors may increase your risk:
Age
You may face a higher risk if you are over age 55.
Human Papillomavirus Infection
A history of HPV can put you at a higher risk for developing esophageal cancer.
Obesity
Having obesity can increase your risk for esophageal cancer.
Tobacco and Alcohol Use
Regular tobacco and alcohol use can increase your risk.
Diagnosing Esophageal Cancer
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities. Our specialists accurately detect esophageal cancer and start you on an effective treatment plan.
We will perform a medical exam and ask about your personal and family health history. We may run blood tests to check your red blood cell count and liver function to diagnose the condition. Both can indicate esophageal cancer.
We may also recommend imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or an upper endoscopy to get a closer look at your esophagus.
Treatments for Esophageal Cancer
The cancer team at UC Davis Health offers a full range of advanced treatment options for esophageal cancer. Our individualized treatment plans focus on the stage of your cancer and your symptoms. Your treatment may include:
Surgery
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.
Chemotherapy
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.
Radiation Therapy
We use high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. We may combine radiation therapy with chemotherapy and surgery.
Immunotherapy
We use the latest immunotherapy approaches to treat many cancers, including esophageal cancer. This treatment uses your own immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Endoscopic Treatments
We may treat early stage esophageal cancers with endoscopic procedures that remove small tumors.
Preventing Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancers can’t always be prevented. But there are things you can do to greatly reduce your risk, such as:
Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol
Using tobacco products and alcohol raises the risk of esophageal cancer.
Stay at a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese increases your chance of getting esophageal cancer.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A diet full of fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of esophageal cancer.
Treat GERD or Barrett’s Esophagus
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.
Men are
3xMore likely than women to get esophageal cancer
Occurrence
1%Of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with esophageal cancer
Source: American Cancer Society: Key Statistics for Esophageal Cancer
Request an Appointment
Our cancer specialists provide thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Learn more about how to make an appointment at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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