Esophageal Cancer

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Causes and Risk Factors



Esophageal cancer is caused by a malignant change (mutation) in cells that comprise the lining of the esophagus. Esophageal tumors often invade the submucosa (i.e., layer of connective tissue) and then the muscular layer of the organ.


Age increases the risk for esophageal cancer and the disease is more common after the age of 50. Risk for developing cancer of the esophagus is about 3 times higher in men.

Other risk factors include medical conditions su...Read the full article