 | | | | | Cancer of the Esophagus More info on this condition | |
| | | Risk Factors | | | | | - Age: Individuals between the ages of 45 and 70 have the greatest risk.
- Sex: Men are three times more likely than women to develop esophageal cancer.
- Race: African Americans are three times more likely than whites to have cancer of the esophagus.
- Tobacco: Using any form of tobacco raises the risk of esophageal cancer. Increases the risk of squamous cell cancer, but not as strongly associated with adenocarcinoma.
- Alcohol: Long-term heavy drinking is a major risk factor for cancer of the esophagus, especially when combined with tobacco use. Increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, but not adenocarcinoma.
- Reflux: Continued reflux of digestive fluid from the stomach into the lower esophagus raises the risk of cell changes at this end of the esophagus, which can lead to adenocarcinoma.
- Diet: A diet that is low in fruits and vegetables and certain vitamins and minerals can increase a person's risk of developing esophageal cancer.
- Lye: A person who has swallowed lye has a higher risk of squamous cell cancer. Lye is a chemical found in strong cleaners, which can burn and destroy cells. If a child accidentally drinks cleaning liquids, the lining of the esophagus will scar.
- Achalasia: In this disease, the muscle at the bottom of the lower end of the esophagus expands, causing food to collect there instead of moving into the stomach. This raises squamous-cell cancer risk.
- Tylosis: In this rare, inherited disease, excess skin grows on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Tylosis has been linked with esophageal cancer.
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