Types of Cancer » Esophageal Cancer

esophageal cancer (ee-SOF-uh-jee-ul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach). Two types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).

esophageal (ee-SOF-uh-jee-ul) Having to do with the esophagus, the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

esophagus (ee-SOF-uh-gus) The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

esophagectomy (ee-sof-uh-JEK-tuh-mee) An operation to remove a portion of the esophagus.

esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach).

esophagoscopy (eh-sof-a-GAHS-ko-pee) Examination of the esophagus using a thin, lighted tube.

esophagram (ee-SOF-uh-gram) A series of x-rays of the esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the person drinks a solution that contains barium. The barium coats and outlines the esophagus on the x-ray. Also called a barium swallow and upper GI series.

stage 0 esophageal cancer Cancer is found in the innermost layer of cells lining the esophagus. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage I esophageal cancer Cancer has spread beyond the innermost layer of cells to the next layer of tissue in the wall of the esophagus.

stage II esophageal cancer Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, depending on where the cancer has spread. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to the layer of esophageal muscle or to the outer wall of the esophagus. In stage IIB, cancer may have spread to any of the first three layers of the esophagus and to nearby lymph nodes.

stage III esophageal cancer Cancer has spread to the outer wall of the esophagus and may have spread to tissues or lymph nodes near the esophagus.

stage IV esophageal cancer Stage IV esophageal cancer is divided into stage IVA and stage IVB, depending on where the cancer has spread. In stage IVA, cancer has spread to nearby or distant lymph nodes. In stage IVB, cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes and/or organs in other parts of the body.