The oesophagus or gullet is a muscle tube where food passes from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a tumour that builds up in the oesophagus. The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Both these types develop at about the same rate. Squamous cell carcinomas are more common in Asia, and adenocarcinomas are more prevalent and increasing rapidly in Western lands. Most of the esophageal cancers in Kolkata occur in people older than 65 years. Squamous cell carcinomas are strongly associated with alcohol and smoking and adenocarcinomas are strongly associated with gastroesophageal reflux which is closely related to obesity.

The main risk factors for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma are: Tobacco use, Alcohol use, Low fruit and vegetable diets, Drinking maté, Betel quid chewing, certain medical conditions e.g. Achalasia, Tylosis and Plummer-Vinson syndrome.

Barrett’s stomach, reflux disease Gastroesophageal disease, Obesity.

Tobacco use and alcohol consumption may increase the risk of adenocarcinoma, although the effect is lesser than squamous cell carcinoma, says the best esophageal cancer doctor in Kolkata.