Esophageal cancer overview

Esophageal cancer Microchapters
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Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Differentiating Esophageal cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms, and are diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated with surgery, and advanced tumors are treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combinations. Prognosis depends on the extent of the disease and other medical problems, but is fairly poor.