Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. There is no known or exact cause of esophageal cancer, but cancer occurs when cells are damaged. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there were 16,470 cases of cancer of the esophagus diagnosed in 2009. Causes for developing esophageal cancer have been identified.
Tobacco Use
In esophageal cancer that begins in squamous cells, tobacco use is considered a significant contributing factor. Any form of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, cigars or cigarettes, increase the risk. It is believed that tobacco use damages the DNA of the cells that line the esophagus. Smoking one to two packs of cigarettes a day increases the risk of esophageal cancer 44 times, according to the American Cancer Society.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol abuse is also a major factor that can contribute to the development of esophageal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Drinking large amounts or chronic alcohol use increases the risk of getting this cancer. The ACS reports that people who drink more than 13 ounces of alcohol daily for many years have 18 times the risk. Like tobacco, alcohol may damage the DNA of normal cells causing them to turn cancerous. The use of tobacco and alcohol together increases the risk even more.
Barrett's Esophagus and GERD
Barrett's esophagus occurs when the tissues lining the esophagus are replaced with cells that more closely resemble the cells lining the intestines. Many people with Barrett's esophagus also have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is often referred to as acid reflux and occurs when the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus does not close and stomach contents wash up into the esophagus.
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse of the National Institutes of Health, a small number of people with Barrett's esophagus gets a rare but deadly form of esophageal cancer. GERD is also considered a risk factor for adenocarcinoma even when Barrett's esophagus is not present.
Other Factors
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons also lists infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) as a factor. Others include achalasia, a benign disease that affects the esophagus, and injuries that result in scarring of the esophagus. Another cause can be a rare genetic disorder called tylosis. Any irritation to the lining of the esophagus such as that caused by swallowing caustic liquids, can lead to esophageal cancer.
