The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. When a person swallows the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining produce mucus which keeps the passageway moist and makes swallowing easier. The esophagus is behind the trachea which is often called the windpipe. The esophagus is about 10 inches long.
Cancer affects cells, the body's basic unit of life.
Normally cells grow, divide, and produce more cells when needed. Sometimes, however, cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. The mass of extra cells forms a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. They usually can be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back.