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Cancer of the Esophagus

Definition

Cancer of the esophagus, also called esophageal cancer is a tumor or abnormal growth of cells in the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that takes food from your mouth to your stomach. It is made of muscle and it is about 10 inches long.

The two most common forms of esophageal cancer are named for the type of cells that become cancerous:

Learn more about esophageal cancer in the Healthwise Knowledgebase, part of the University of Michigan Health System.

Getting a Diagnosis and Treatment

Esophageal cancer is diagnosed and treated at the U-M Cancer Center in the The Thoracic Oncology Clinic.

Why Choose the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center for Your Treatment?

The National Cancer Institute has designated the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMCCC) one of 40 comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. As an NCI-designated site, the Cancer Center receives a Cancer Center Support Grant awarded through a rigorous peer-review process that evaluates the scientific merit of an institution's programming. To qualify as a comprehensive cancer center, institutions must meet strict guidelines in terms of making significant advances in research in general and in applying our research findings to our patients for their benefit.

In 2008, US News and World Report ranked the U-M Comprehensive Cancer as the 17th best cancer center in the U.S.

For more information, please view the Esophageal Cancer Information Guide, provided by the Cancer Center's Patient Education Resource Center.

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last updated 12/2008

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