Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the esophagus—the long, hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. This cancer usually begins in the inner lining of the esophagus and can grow to affect deeper layers over time.
Esophageal cancer is more common in older adults and affects more men than women. It can be aggressive and is often diagnosed at a later stage, but treatment options are improving. Early symptoms can be subtle, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in swallowing or digestion.
Doctors use tests like endoscopy, imaging scans, and biopsies to find and diagnose esophageal cancer. Treatment depends on the cancer’s type, location, and stage, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies.
Types of esophageal cancer include:
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type in the U.S. This cancer starts in the mucus-secreting glands in the lower part of the esophagus, often near the stomach. It’s more likely in people with chronic acid reflux or Barrett’s esophagus.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: More common in other parts of the world. It begins in the flat, thin cells lining the upper and middle esophagus. This type is often linked to smoking, heavy alcohol use, and poor nutrition.
- Small Cell Carcinoma: A rare and fast-growing type of esophageal cancer. It’s considered a neuroendocrine tumor and typically requires aggressive treatment.
- Other Rare Types: These include sarcomas, lymphomas, and melanomas of the esophagus, but they are extremely uncommon.
For more information about esophageal cancer, please visit the organizations listed below.
SaveGeneral Cancer Programs
PEN created these programs to help explain parts of the cancer journey.
Debunks myths about clinical trials and provides patients with knowledge and confidence to feel well-informed when discussing treatment options with their healthcare team
Topics:
- The Basics: Understanding Clinical Trial Research
- Understanding Common Misconceptions
- Clinical Trial Safety
- Clinical Trials 101 Resource Guides
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes oncology, DECODE empowers cancer patients and families with clear, practical insights into AI and other emerging healthcare technologies, breaking down how these innovations are transforming cancer care and helping them navigate AI-driven advancements with confidence.
Components:
- Podcasts
- Downloadable Resource Guides
Provides digital literacy skills training with a series of easy-to-follow video modules, coupled with resource guides to educate you on technology and online support tools.
Helps women living with cancer understand the impact on their overall health, including fertility, hormones and sexual wellbeing while enabling informed conversations with their healthcare team about potential options and support.
Information on completing cancer care with actionable steps to engage in key discussions and plan for life after treatment.
Topics:
- Understanding Survivorship
- Advice for Future and Follow-Up Care
Having cancer or caring for someone with cancer can feel really lonely and extremely isolating. We created PEN-Powered Activity Guides to help you cope, relax, and, hopefully, feel a little less overwhelmed.
Focuses on wellness during cancer treatment and post cancer treatment.
Topics:
- Lifestyle
- Diet and Healthy Eating
- Supportive Care
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Cancer Treatment
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
External Resources
Organizations for Esophageal Cancer
Cancer Information and Support
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