The esophagus is a tube-like organ made up of a lining and surrounding smooth muscle. It brings food from the mouth to the stomach. As is true of any other body organ, cancer can develop in the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can be either squamous cell carcinoma (from the usual type of cells that line the esophagus) or adenocarcinoma (if the cells have experienced a change to gland-like tissue). Adenocarcinomas usually occur in persons who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can, if left untreated, change normal esophageal cells to gland-like adenomatous cells. This is called Barrett esophagus. The August 11, 2010, issue of JAMA includes an article reporting that bisphosphonate medications for osteoporosis are not associated with an increase in the risk of esophageal cancer.
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