Esophageal Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 18,000 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in 2013, and there will be about 15,000 related deaths in the United States.

It used to be that African-Americans were more likely to develop esophageal cancer than Caucasians, but that has changed in recent years. Now, both African-Americans and Caucasians are just as likely to receive a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Men are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer than women.

Types Of Esophageal Cancer

There are two types of esophageal cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer accounts for less than half of the cases of esophagus cancer. It forms in the cells of the inside layer of the lining of the esophagus and can grow anywhere along the length of the esophagus.
• Adenocarcinomas. This esophageal cancer starts in the gland cells, developing after glandular cells replace an area of squamous cells. This process occurs with the condition known as Barrett's esophagus and is mainly found in the lower region of the esophagus.

Treating Esophageal Cancer: Why Choose Dignity Health

Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients at risk for esophageal cancer. Combining the expertise of physicians who specialize in thoracic surgery and gastroenterology, our team of esophageal cancer experts provides the most advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques for esophageal cancer in the Sacramento region.

Learn more:

• Esophageal cancer signs and symptoms 
• Esophageal cancer prevention
• Esophageal cancer causes and risk factors
• Esophageal cancer diagnosis
• Esophageal cancer treatment