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Cancer of the Esophagus
DefinitionCancer 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:
Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the esophagus.
This cancer is most often found in the upper and middle part of the esophagus, but can occur anywhere along the esophagus.
Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the esophagus produce and release fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinomas usually form in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. Learn more about esophageal cancer in the Healthwise Knowledgebase, part of the University of Michigan Health System. Getting a Diagnosis and TreatmentEsophageal 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. last updated 12/2008 |
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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center © 2009 Regents of the University of Michigan / Developed & maintained by: Public Relations & Marketing Communications. Contact Us or UMHS. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. |
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