What Is It? Esophageal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in
the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and
liquid to your stomach. There are two types of esophageal
cancer: - Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the cells that line
the esophagus. These cells are called squamous cells. This type
of cancer can occur anywhere in the esophagus. - Adenocarcinoma
starts in the lower portion of the esophagus, near the opening
to the stomach. It begins when squamous cells are replaced by
glandular cells that then begin growing abnormally. No one knows
for sure what causes esophageal cancer. However, the most
significant risk factors include the following: - Tobacco use.
The longer you smoke and the more you smoke each day, the
greater your risk. Patients who develop esophageal cancer may
also be at riskfor developing other cancers of the head and
neck. - Alcohol consumption. Chronic or excessive consumption of
alcohol, especially when combined with tobacco use, increases
the risk. Consumption of har