What is oesophageal carcinoma?

Esophageal carcinoma, also known as esophageal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is the eighth leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is more common in men than women. The most common type of esophageal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for about 90% of cases. Other types include adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma.

Risk factors for esophageal carcinoma include smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, certain genetic conditions, and obesity. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The prognosis for esophageal carcinoma depends on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis and the patient's overall health.