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. Cancer of the esophagus is particularly serious, because it can go on for a long time before it is ever detected. In fact, it often progresses to an advanced stage before there are any symptoms at all. Esophageal cancer is most common in men over the age of 60 and occurs as one of two types in most patients - either squamous cell or adenocarcinoma.
Tobacco smoking combined with heavy drinking usually is associated with squamous cell carcinoma.
People who have worked with metal dust, like pipefitters, plumbers, welders and sheet metal workers also are more likely to get esophageal cancer. The most common sign of esophageal cancer is a problem with swallowing. It feels like food is sticking along the way to the stomach, somewhere behind the breastbone. There can also be fleeting or constant chest or upper abdominal pain. See your doctor right away if you have these symptoms.