Julianna

__What is it?__ Esophageal Cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes, primarily squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line the upper part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular cells that are present at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms, and are diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated surgically with curative intent. Larger tumors tend not to be operable and hence cannot be cured; their growth can still be delayed with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of the two. In some cases chemo- and radiotherapy can render these larger tumors operable. Prognosis depends on the extent of the disease and other medical problems, but is fairly poor.

__risk factors/causes__ media type="youtube" key="ei4cOvFIqPY" height="344" width="425"
 * As you age you are more likely to get it. Most people get it when their 60 or older.
 * More common in men.
 * Smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco.
 * Drinking alcohol.
 * Long-term irritation can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Tissues at the bottom of the esophagus can become irritated if stomach acid frequently "backs up" into the esophagus called gastric reflux.
 * Other causes of significant irritation or damage to the lining of the esophagus, such as swallowing lye or other caustic substances, can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
 * People who have had other head and neck cancers have an increased chance of developing a second cancer in the head and neck area, including esophageal cancer.

1. One point that I learned on your page that I did not know before was: I didn't know that you can get cancer in your esophagus 2. The page you created was informative or interesting because: the picture and the video was interesting 3. How I can use this information in my life now or in the future is... 4. I would still like to know more about... treatment for this cancer.....JM