Esophageal Cancer

Cancer that forms in the esophagus is called esophageal cancer. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, seen here in this image.

Esophageal cancer, also called esophagus cancer, is cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The esophagus, located just behind the trachea, is about 10 to 13 inches in length and allows food to enter the stomach for digestion. The wall of the esophagus is made up of several layers and cancers generally start from the inner layer and grow out.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 18,170 Americans will be newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer during 2014. About 15,450 people will die from this disease each year. Learn about the causes of esophageal cancer. Other facts about esophageal cancer include the following:

  • Esophageal cancer is three times more common among men than among women.

  • Esophagus cancer is three times more common among African-Americans than among Caucasians.

  • Some countries such as Iran, northern China, India, and southern Africa have rates that are 10 to 100 times greater than that in the United States.
Learn more about the types of esophageal cancer.

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Clinical Trials for Esophageal Cancer

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials Closed Trials

Clinics for Esophageal Cancer

We provide expert care and the latest treatments. Visit one of our clinics to make an appointment.