What is esophogeal cancer?

Malignant tumor: Esophageal cancer is fairly infrequent malignant tumor of the esophagus. It is ~ #9 cancer in the US. It is most frequently seen in patients who have strong history of alcohol abuse. Smoking predisposes to it as well. Acid reflux is another contributing factor. There are different types of esophageal cancer (squamous one and adenocarcinoma). It tends to spread quickly and early.

Cancer : The esophagus conducts food from the lower portion of your throat all the way to your stomach. Cancer occurring anywhere along this "tube" is thus esophogeal cancer.