Esophageal Cancer: General Information

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/04/01 - Updated: 2023/01/28

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: Esophageal cancer originates from the lining of the esophagus and presents as either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.

The prognosis for esophageal cancer is not good, regardless of the treatment employed. When esophageal cancer is found very early, there is a better chance of recovery.

Introduction

Esophageal cancer originates from the lining of the esophagus and presents as either squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) or adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Esophageal Cancer as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

Main Content

Esophageal cancer alternate names: Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus, Squamous cell carcinoma of the Esophagus.

Esophageal cancer spreads extensively through the esophagus and often extends far beyond the edges of the primary tumor (distant metastases). The cancer generally presents as an obstruction to swallowing with complaints of difficulty swallowing. The definitive test for esophageal cancer is esophagoscopy with visualization of cancer and biopsy.

Testing used to determine the causes of symptoms includes a barium swallow (esophagram), generally done with a series of x-rays of the esophagus, esophagoscopy (also called endoscopy) testing that examines the inside of the esophagus using a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope and a biopsy.

Testing used to determine whether the cancer has spread includes a CT (CAT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, a PET scan, a bone scan, and a bronchoscopy.

Historically, treatment of esophageal cancer has been surgery. Current multimodality therapy with radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery has begun to play a major role in treatment.

The prognosis for esophageal cancer is not good regardless of the treatment employed. When esophageal cancer is found very early, there is a better chance of recovery. Esophageal cancer is often in an advanced stage when it is diagnosed. At later stages, esophageal cancer can be treated but rarely can be cured.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.