Esophageal cancer is an often fatal malignancy (something that progresses and becomes worse with time) that develops in tissues lining the hollow, muscular canal (esophagus) along which food and liquid travel from the throat to the stomach. It starts in the inner layers of the lining of the esophagus and grows outward. In time, it can block the passage of food and liquid, making swallowing painful and difficult. Squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of esophageal cancer, can develop at any point along the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma starts in glandular tissue not normally present in the lining of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is three times more common in men than in women, and among blacks than among whites. Men and women between the ages of 45 and 70 are at the greatest risk. The cause of esophageal cancer is unknown. Risk factors include heavy drinking or smoking, especially...