Cancer, esophagus

Cancer, esophagus: Cancer of the swallowing tube that passes from the throat to the stomach. The risk of cancer of the esophagus is increased by long-term irritation of the esophagus, such as with smoking, heavy alcohol intake, and Barrett’s esophagitis. Cancer of the esophagus can cause difficulty and pain with swallowing solid food. Diagnosis of esophageal cancer can be made by barium x-ray of the esophagus, and confirmed by endoscopy with biopsy of the cancer tissue.