Le esophageal cancer affects the muscular tube (2 cm to 3 cm in diameter and 25 cm to 30 cm in length) connecting the larynx (throat) to the stomach. Once swallowed, food enters the esophagus and travels down to the stomach, pulled by gravity and pushed by the contraction of the muscles in its wall. The entry and exit of the esophagus is closed by muscle rings that open and close to manage the passage of food. Those are the sphincters oesophagiens. If the sphincter at the entrance to the stomach is not working well, reflux gastro-oesophagiens can occur. Since the fluid going up the esophagus is acidic, it irritates its lining. This chronic irritation of the esophagus is a well-known factor in esophageal cancer, although there are other risk factors.

Le esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor in the tissues of the wall of the esophagus. There are two main types.

Types

• Le squamous cell carcinoma involves cells lining the inner wall of the esophagus (squamous cells). It usually reaches the upper part of the esophagus.
• THEadenocarcinoma appears more often in the lower part of the esophagus. It involves glandular cells that make and secrete mucus and other fluids that aid in digestion.

Le esophageal cancer is one of the uncommon cancers in Canada: it represents less than 1% of all cancer cases. But, it can be serious because it is quite often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Measures of early detection in those at risk can therefore make a big difference. According to the League against Cancer, cancer of the esophagus affects around 5000 French people each year.